Waldeyer's ring includes which lymphoid tissues?

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Waldeyer's ring is a circular collection of lymphoid tissue in the pharynx that acts as the first line of immune defense for inhaled or ingested pathogens. It is formed by three main tonsillar sites: the palatine tonsils located in the oropharynx on either side between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches; the pharyngeal tonsil on the roof of the nasopharynx (the adenoids); and the lingual tonsils at the posterior aspect of the tongue. Together, these tissues form a ring around the openings of the nasal and oral cavities, enabling rapid immune surveillance and response. Some references also mention tubal tonsils near the openings of the Eustachian tubes, but the classic description highlights these three major components: palatine, pharyngeal, and lingual tonsils.