tonsil

tonsil

 [ton´sil]

1. a small, rounded mass of tissue.

2. one of the fleshy masses of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat. adj., adj ton´sillar.

There are three different kinds of tonsils: the palatine tonsils are a pair of oval-shaped structures about the size of almonds, partially embedded in the mucous membrane, one on each side of the back of the throat. The lingual tonsils are below the palatine tonsils at the base of the tongue. The pharyngeal tonsils, or adenoids, are on the upper rear wall of the mouth cavity; they are of fair size in childhood but usually shrink after puberty. The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system and help to filter the circulating lymph of bacteria and any other foreign material that may enter the body, especially through the mouth and nose. In the process of fighting infection the palatine tonsils and the adenoids sometimes become enlarged and inflamed (see tonsillitis).

tonsil of cerebellum a rounded mass forming part of the cerebellum on its inferior surface.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

ton·sil

(ton'sil),

1. Intramucosal collection of lymphocytes or aggregated lymphoid tissue closely associated with the overlying epithelium, including the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoid), palatine tonsil, and lingual tonsil, that collectively form a lymphoepithelial ring in the pharynx.

2. Synonym(s): palatine tonsil

3. An anatomic structure resembling the palatine tonsil in form.

[L. tonsilla, a stake, in pl. the tonsils]

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

tonsil

(tŏn′səl)

n.

A small oral mass of lymphoid tissue, especially either of two such masses embedded in the lateral walls of the opening between the mouth and the pharynx, of uncertain function, but believed to help protect the body from respiratory infections.

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ton′sil·lar adj.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

ton·sil

(ton'sil)

1. Any collection of lymphoid tissue.

2. Synonym(s): palatine tonsil.

[L. tonsilla, a stake, as a pl., the tonsils]

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

tonsil

1. An oval mass of lymphoid tissue, of variable size, situated on the back of the throat on either side of the soft palate.

2. Any bodily structure resembling the palatine tonsil.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

tonsil

one of the two large outgrowths at the back of the human oral cavity which have a lymphatic function. The tissue can become infected, resulting in considerable soreness and general ill-health. The removal of children's tonsils by surgery (tonsillectomy) used to be common, but is less popular nowadays.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005

ton·sil

(ton'sil)

1. Intramucosal collection of lymphocytes or aggregated lymphoid tissue closely associated with overlying epithelium, including pharyngeal tonsil (adenoid), palatine tonsil, and lingual tonsil, which collectively form a lymphoepithelial ring in pharynx.

2. Synonym(s): palatine tonsil.

3. An anatomic structure resembling palatine tonsil in form.

[L. tonsilla, a stake, as a pl, the tonsils]

Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012

Patient discussion about tonsil

Q. how do i cure tonsil stones (tonsiloth)?

A. There are very little literature about this subject, but I heard about treatment in which the crypts (deep and narrow grooves on the tongue in which the stones form) are burned with laser.

As far as I know these stones don't cause damage by themselves so it's not such a common treatment.

You may read more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsillolith

Q. When should the tonsils and/or adenoids should be removed?

A. Currently the tonsillectomy is recommended in the presence of 6 episodes of throat infection (Group A strep pharyngitis) in one year or 3-4 episodes in each of 2years. Adenoidectomy may be recommended when tympanostomy tube surgery (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanostomy_tube) failed to prevent ear infection.

Another thing to consider is the presence of oral breathing - the constant use of the mouth for breathing in small children may lead to malformation of the facial bones that would necessitate more extensive surgeries later in life.

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