The tonsils
Palatine tonsils · tonsilla palatina
Two lumps of immune tissue at the back of your throat that sample germs as they enter.
What it does
The tonsils sit on each side of the back of the throat. They contain clusters of immune cells that trap and sample germs coming in through the mouth and nose, helping the body prepare its defences.
Surprising fact
The tonsils are largest in childhood, when the immune system is busiest meeting new germs, and they usually shrink with age.
Why it matters
Tonsillitis, an infection of the tonsils, causes sore throat and fever. Removing them is now usually reserved for repeated or severe infections.
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Sources
Drafted with AI help; awaiting a human fact-check against these sources.
Open in the 3D atlas · Suggest a correction · Not medical advice.
3D models: Z-Anatomy & BodyParts3D (CC BY-SA 4.0 / 2.1 JP). Card text CC BY 4.0.