Tonsils

Tonsil, name applied to any of a number of masses of lymphoid tissue forming a ring around the walls of the pharynx, or throat. These masses consist of cells, similar to the lymphocytes of the bloodstream, embedded in fibrous connective tissue and covered by a single layer of epithelium. The lymphoid cells are phagocytic and help protect the pharynx from invasion by disease-producing bacteria.

Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat recurring cases of tonsillitis (inflammation or infection of the tonsils) or a tonsillar abscess (severe infection). As shown here, the surgeon uses a scalpel to excise, or cut away, each tonsil from the back of the throat. Forceps are used both to lend precision to the use of the scalpel and to remove the tonsils once they have been excised. The patient is placed under general anesthesia at the beginning of the operation.

Tonsils may become inflamed and acutely or chronically infected. Such a condition, called tonsillitis, is often caused by streptococcus infection. Tissues surrounding the tonsils frequently form pus during acute attacks of tonsillitis, particularly streptococcal, causing the tonsils to show white specks or even be coated with whitish exudate. This condition is called quinsy. Pharyngeal tonsils, located at the back of the throat, may become abnormally large when inflamed. They are called adenoids. Acute cases of tonsillitis are often treated by administration of such antibiotics as penicillin. Chronic recurrent tonsillitis may be treated by surgical removal of the tonsils, a procedure that is known as tonsillectomy.

World Health Organization