Tonsils

SCIENCE

“The palatine tonsils are thought to be the first line of defence against potential infection”

What are tonsils for?

What purpose do these fleshy lumps in the back of our throats serve?

Tonsils are the small masses of fl esh found in pairs at the back of the throats of many mammals. In humans the word is actually used to describe three sets of this spongy lymphatic tissue: the lingual tonsils, the pharyngeal tonsils and the more commonly recognised palatine tonsils.

The palatine tonsils are the oval bits that hang down from either side at the back of your throat – you can see them if you open your mouth wide in the mirror. Although the full purpose of the palatine tonsils isn’t yet understood, because they produce antibodies and because of their prominent position in the throat, they’re thought to be the fi rst line of defence against potential infection in both the respiratory and digestive tracts.

The pharyngeal tonsils are also known as the adenoids. These are found tucked away in the nasal pharynx and serve a similar purpose to the palatine tonsils but shrink in adulthood.

Finally, the lingual tonsils are found at the back of the tongue towards the root where it attaches and, if you poke your tongue right out, you should be able to spot them. These are drained very effi ciently by mucous glands and, as a result, they very rarely get infected.

Tonsil locations

Where you can fi nd the three pairs of tonsils in your head

Palatine tonsils

These are the bestknown pair of tonsils, as they’re clearly visible at the back of your throat.

Lingual tonsils Pharyngeal tonsils

The lingual tonsils are found at the rear of your tongue – one at either side in your lower jaw. These are otherwise known as the adenoids and are located at the back of the sinuses.

Lots of bed rest, fl uids and pain relief like paracetamol are all recommended for treating tonsillitis

Tonsillitis in focus

Tonsillitis is usually caused by certain bacteria (eg group A beta-haemolytic streptococci) and sometimes viral infections that result in a sore and swollen throat, a fever, white spots at the back of the throat and diffi culty swallowing. Usually rest and a course of antibiotics will see it off, but occasionally the infection is very severe and can potentially cause serious problems, or reoccurs very frequently. In these cases a tonsillectomy may be considered – a surgical procedure where the tonsils are removed.

The adenoids are less commonly infected but, when they are, they become infl amed and swell to obstruct breathing through the nose and interfere with drainage from the sinuses, which can lead to further infections. In younger people, constant breathing through the mouth can stress the facial bones and cause deformities as they grow, which is why children will sometimes have their adenoid glands removed.