How many tonsils does the human body have

Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. The tonsils are part of the lymph system of the body, which is part of the immune system.

The tonsils help the immune system fight infection but are subject to becoming infected themselves, especially in childhood. There are three sets of tonsils in the back of the mouth: the adenoids, the palantine, and the lingual tonsils.

These three sets of tonsils help the immune system defend against infections, particularly infections in the throat—such as strep throat. The tonsils that are visible when looking in the mouth are the palantine tonsils. The tonsils grow until puberty, then begins to shrink in the following years. While doing their work preventing infection , the tonsils themselves may become recurrently infected and need to be removed, a surgery called a tonsillectomy. A single tonsil infection would usually just be treated with an antibiotic.

Tonsils can become enlarged or inflamed and may be surgically removed in tonsillectomy. Chronic inflammation of the tonsils can cause their cells to increase in size hypertrophy. Enlarged tonsils can make breathing more difficult and disrupt mucus drainage in the pharynx. Those with a tonsillectomy show no significant long term difference in immune system function, though minor changes in immune cell and antibody levels do occur. Key Terms tonsillitis : Inflammation of the tonsils. Frequently accompanied by an adenoidectomy.

Location and Structure of the Tonsils There are four pairs of tonsils located within the pharynx. The adenoids are located in the wall of nasopharynx. The palatine tonsils are located in the sides of the oropharynx. The tubal tonsils are located in the wall of the nasopharynx near the entrance to each Eustachian tube. If you choose to have the operation, your hospital will provide more information about the specifics of the procedure and recovery.

See also the separate leaflet called Tonsillectomy for more information. I had severe sore throat few months ago.

I have taken several antibiotics that my doctor gave me. My throat is fine know it's not red and swollen but it still hurts a lot. I have problems talking Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy.

Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. What are adenoids and tonsils? Tonsils Tonsils are lumps of soft tissue and are part of the immune system.

Tonsils vary in size from person to person. Mouth and nasal passage. Worried about earwax? Book a private earwax removal appointment today with a local specialist Book now.

Are you protected against flu? Chest Infection. New strain of toxin-producing Strep A emerges in UK. Is your sore throat something more serious? When to worry about a sore throat. At one time, physicians removed tonsils after just one or two infections. Due to the risks associated with removing the tonsils, surgeons have become much more conservative in offering this surgery. That said, tonsillectomy still is frequently performed in the United States, and complications are rare.

The tonsils and adenoids are often removed at the same time by means of a tonsillectomy and an adenoidectomy. However, very young children or children with severe obstructive sleep apnea may have to stay overnight. Many children experience light bleeding within 24 hours following surgery, in addition to fever and inflammation after the procedure. This inflammation, or swelling , can cause short-term snoring. Adolescents and adults, however, often experience more severe pain.

Options for pain control include pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and prescription medications. Tonsil bleeds may also occur again seven to 10 days after the surgery, when the scabs eschar fall off. During recovery, it's important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a soft diet. Some people lose weight during this period of convalescence because it can hurt to eat.

Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Adenoid Hypertrophy in Adults: A case Series. Wetmore RF.