What are tonsils and adenoids?

Tonsils | Adenoids | What purpose do they serve?

Tonsils

Every person has three types of tonsils, located in different parts of the mouth area.

  1. Palatine tonsils – located on both sides of the back of the throat
  2. Lingual tonsils – located at the base of the tongue
  3. Pharyngeal tonsils, or adenoids – located high in the throat, behind the nose
The palatine tonsils are the tonsils that are often removed for infection or obstructive sleep apnea. These tonsils are round masses of lymph tissue that are believed to assist the body in fighting off infection during the early years of life. Back to top

Adenoids

What people commonly refer to as "the adenoids" is actually a single clump of tonsillar tissue located high in the throat, behind the nose. They are composed primarily of lymph tissue and serve to trap incoming germs before they can cause harm. In addition, the adenoids contain cells that make antibodies to help your body fight off infection.

Because the adenoids are located so high in the throat, the only way your doctor can see them is by looking through a tiny mirror placed in your throat or a tiny telescope placed in your nose.

Back to top

What purpose do they serve?

Though the exact function of the tonsils and adenoids is still being studied, scientists generally believe they act as part of the body's immune system by filtering germs, bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the nose and mouth.

When you breathe in air, it flows down a pathway from the nose through the throat down to the lungs that is called the upper respiratory tract or airway. The position of your tonsils and adenoids create a protective circle around this airway in an effort to trap harmful infections before they reach the lungs where they could pass into the bloodstream.

This function is thought to be important when people are very young and their immune systems are still developing. This is why many studies have been conducted to determine if removing the tonsils and adenoids in children has negative repercussions in immune system function. These studies have shown consistently that children who have had their tonsils and adenoids removed apparently experience no ill effects.

Some researchers believe that tonsils and adenoids developed to help babies and young children fight off the type of diseases that occurred more frequently when people lived in rural areas, such as diseases caused by worms and parasites. Tonsils and adenoids are not as effective in combating the multitude of germs and bacteria associated with exposure to large groups of people in densely populated urban areas, which is why scientists believe that removing them does not damage an individual's immune system.

Back to top

Did You Know?

Pediatric OSA occurs in about 1-3% of otherwise healthy preschool children, and accounts for more than half of all tonsillectomies performed on children today.
Learn more.
The PITA technique is a revolutionary yet simple way of performing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery. Learn more.
Obstructive sleep apnea could be the underlying cause of ADHD in some children. Learn more.
There are an estimated 25 million pediatrician visits per year related to ear infections. Learn more.
Important Safety Information

Rx Only

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION!
THIS THERAPY IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN. A PRESCRIPTION IS REQUIRED.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL MEDTRONIC ENT AT 800-874-5797

THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR 911 IMMEDIATELY.

This website is created and sponsored by Medtronic ENT as an informational and educational resource for the general public. The medical information within this website has been reviewed to ensure its accuracy. Medtronic ENT has a financial interest in the products sold in this medical field.
All articles and graphics copyright ©2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Medtronic, Inc. All rights reserved. TM is trademark of Medtronic, Inc. ® is a registered trademark of Medtronic, Inc.
Please review our Privacy Policy, Terms Of Use or Contact Us for more information. Resource Page
Version 2.1.0 This webpage was first published on September 07, 2005, and was last updated on August 29, 2007.
LandmarX.com | Meniett.com | MedtronicENT.com | MicroFrance.com | ObstructedNose.com | SinusInfoCenter.com