What does tonsils mean?

Tonsils are two masses of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the throat, one on each side. They play a role in the immune system by helping to filter out bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth and nose. The palatine tonsils are the most commonly referred to when discussing tonsils, but there are also other types, including adenoids and lingual tonsils. In some cases, tonsils can become enlarged or infected, leading to conditions like tonsillitis.