tonsils

tonsils name commonly referring to the palatine tonsils, two ovoid masses of lymphoid tissue situated on either side of the throat at the back of the tongue. The pharyngeal tonsils, or adenoids , are masses of similar tissue located in the nasopharynx, and the lingual tonsils are rounded masses of tissue on the back of the tongue. The tonsils act as a filter against disease organisms. However, they often become a site of infection, a condition known as tonsillitis, and sometimes become enlarged. This condition is more prevalent during childhood, since tonsil tissue tends to regress with age. Removal of the tonsils is sometimes advised if frequent inflammation poses a threat to health. See respiration .

tonsils Two masses of oval-shaped lymph tissue located at the back of the throat (palatine tonsils) or on the rear of the tongue (lingual tonsils). Two masses of oval-shaped lymph tissue located at the back of the throat (palatine tonsils) or on the rear of the tongue (lingual tonsils). They filter disease organisms. Their pitted surface easily becomes infected (tonsillitis).

tonsils (ton-silz) pl. n. masses of lymphoid tissue around the pharynx, usually referring to the masses on either side of the oropharynx (palatine t.). See also adenoids (nasopharyngeal tonsil).