Identification

• Tonsils are made up of lymphatic tissue. In humans, the three pairs of tonsils are called the palatine, pharyngeal and lingual tonsils. They form a ring around the throat.
  
  

Function

• Tonsils capture germs that enter the body through the nose and mouth and fight them with antibodies. They work like the lymph nodes found in the neck, armpits and groin.
  
  

Palatine Tonsils

• Palatine tonsils are oval bodies located at the back of the throat, one on each side. The palatine tonsils are the ones most people are referring to when they refer to tonsils. These tonsils help fight digestive tract and respiratory system infections.
  
  

Pharyngeal Tonsils

• Pharyngeal tonsils are better known as adenoids. They are found in the upper part of the throat near the nasal cavity. They secrete mucus, which traps germs, viruses and dust. Infected or inflamed adenoids can cause breathing problems.
  
  

Lingual Tonsils

• The lingual tonsils are located on the back surface of the tongue. They are made up of flat masses of lymphatic tissue and contain mucus glands. Lingual tonsils appear bumpy and pink- or bluish-colored.
  
  

Tonsillitis

• Tonsillitis occurs when the palatine tonsils become infected by bacteria or viruses. They can swell and become sore. If treatments such as antibiotics or sore throat medications fail, a surgeon will perform a tonsillectomy.