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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 . |
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"tonsils." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "tonsils." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-tonsils.html "tonsils." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-tonsils.html |
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tonsils
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).
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"tonsils." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "tonsils." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-tonsils.html "tonsils." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-tonsils.html |
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tonsils
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).
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"tonsils." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "tonsils." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-tonsils.html "tonsils." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-tonsils.html |
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