[The development of the human lingual tonsil in the prenatal period].

Morphofunctional regularities in the development of the lingual tonsil were examined in 120 human embryos and fetuses of gestation age of 5 weeks to 9 months with the use of a complex of histologic and injection methods and transmission electron microscopy. Lingual tonsil development was found to start at gestation age of 9 weeks. By the end of gestation period the lingual tonsil represents a complex of cryptolymphatic units, each of them consisting of cryptal epithelial wall, lymphoid parenchyma, and connective-tissue capsule. The role of postcapillary venules with parafollicular zone high endothelium of lingual tonsil follicles is discussed.