The tonsils are a group of small rounded organs in the pharynx. They are filled with lymphocytes and macrophages and have openings to the surface of the pharynx. Their lymphocytes respond to infectious agents that arrive by way of ingested food as well as inspired air. Basically tonsils are a multiple aggregation of large lymphatic nodules embedded in a mucous membrane. They are arranged in a ring at the junction of the oral cavity and pharynx.<\/p>\n
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The single pharyngeal tonsil or adenoid is embedded in the posterior wall of the naso-pharynx. The paired palatine tonsils are situated in the tonsillar fossae between the pharyngopalatine and glossopalatine arches. These are the ones commonly removed during a tonsillectomy. The paired lingual tonsils are located at the base of the tongue.<\/p>\n
Tonsillitis is characterised by inflammation of tonsils. They turn to become red, swollen, tender and covered with creamy waste material. This problem occurs at various intervals during childhood and adolescent period of growth, when immune system is not fully developed and the body is exposed to various organisms entering through food and air. Many a times tonsillitis is followed by serious infections leading to diseases like rheumatic heart disease, arthritis and kidney disease.<\/p>\n