The structure of the human tonsillar capsule and its changes with age were histologically investigated. The tonsillar capsule is a thick connective tissue layer surrounding the tonsil. The tonsillar capsule matured together with the tonsil until the age of 10 years. The age-related changes, which began in the 6th decade, were follicle's atrophy, fibrillation of septum and peripheral regions, and finally fibrillation, hyalinization and fatty degeneration of capsule. Collagen fibers of the tonsillar capsule were fine in pre-school children, but increase in size until the age of 40. The amount of interfibrilar substances began to decrease after the 6th decade. Under age of 20, the thickness of tonsillar capsule was significantly larger (p<0.05) than normal in chronic tonsillitis. It is speculated that inflammation inside the tonsil reached the tonsillar capsule due to the tonsillar immaturity. In normal subjects, Weber's glands showed no structural changes with age, whereas in acute and chronic tonsillitis cases, pre-ductal cell infiltration and duct dilatation were observed, and seem to be related to the occurrence of peri-tonsillar abscess.
抄録全体を表示