page_title: Tonsil
hierarchical_section_title: Tonsil
caption_attribution_description: English: Diagram of the palatine tonsils from U.S. National Cancer Institute web site http://training.seer.cancer.gov/module_anatomy/unit8_2_lymph_compo2_tonsils.html, Uploaded on 18 December 2004 from U.S. National Cancer Institute training web site
context_page_description: The tonsils are areas of lymphoid tissue on either side of the throat. An infection of the tonsils is called tonsillitis or tonsilitis. Most commonly, the term "tonsils" refers to the palatine tonsils that can be seen in the back of the throat.
  Like other organs of the lymphatic system, the tonsils act as part of the immune system to help protect against infection. In particular, they are believed to be involved in helping fight off pharyngeal and upper respiratory tract infections.
context_section_description: The tonsils are areas of lymphoid tissue on either side of the throat. An infection of the tonsils is called tonsillitis or tonsilitis. Most commonly, the term "tonsils" refers to the palatine tonsils that can be seen in the back of the throat. 
  Like other organs of the lymphatic system, the tonsils act as part of the immune system to help protect against infection. In particular, they are believed to be involved in helping fight off pharyngeal and upper respiratory tract infections.
caption: Schematic of the mouth, showing the tonsils
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