The lingual tonsils are a collection of lymphoid tissue located in the lamina propria of the root of the tongue.

[1] This lymphoid tissue consists of the nodules rich in cells of the immune system (immunocytes).

[2] The immunocytes initiate the immune response when the lingual tonsils get in contact with invading microorganisms (pathogenic bacteria, viruses or parasites).

[2][3][4] Lingual tonsils are covered externally by stratified squamous epithelium (nonkeratinized) that invaginates inward forming tonsillar crypts.

Mucous glands located at the root of the tongue are drained through several ducts into the crypts of the lingual tonsils.