Term Name:	tonsil crypt
Synonyms:	cryptae tonsillares
Definition:	Tonsils consist of an extensive system of crypts, which result in a large internal surface. The tonsils contain four lymphoid compartments that influence immune functions, namely the reticular crypt epithelium, the extrafollicular area, the mantle zones of lymphoid follicles, and the follicular germinal centers. In human palatine tonsils, the very first part exposed to the outside environment is tonsillar epithelium.
Ontology:	Uberon Ontology [UBERON:0012181]