| Tonsil | Epithelium Type | Key Histological Features |
| Palatine Tonsil (Sides of the oropharynx / "The tonsils") | Stratified squamous epithelium (non-keratinized) | Contains deep, branching tonsillar crypts (around 10–20 per tonsil) and is partially encapsulated. Highly prone to debris accumulation. |
| Lingual Tonsil (Base of the tongue) | Stratified squamous epithelium (non-keratinized) | Experiences frequent friction from food and swallowing. Contains shallow crypts, with salivary gland ducts opening at their base. |
| Pharyngeal Tonsil / Adenoids (Roof of the nasopharynx) | Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium (Respiratory epithelium) | Reflects its location in the respiratory tract; contains surface folds instead of deep, true crypts. |
| Tubal Tonsils (Near the opening of the Eustachian tubes) | Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium | Adapts to the respiratory environment of the nasopharynx; can cause ear symptoms when swollen. |
