One of a pair of oval tissue masses at the back of the throat on either side. The tonsils are made up of lymphoid tissue and form part of the lymphatic system. Along with the adenoids, at the base of the tongue, the tonsils protect against upper respiratory tract infections. The tonsils gradually enlarge from birth until the age of 7, after which time they shrink substantially. Tonsillitis is a common childhood infection.
Tonsil |
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