tonsil

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.

[From Latin tōnsillae, tonsils, diminutive of tōlēs, swollen tonsils.]

tonsillar ton'sil·lar adj.

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Localized aggregation of diffuse and nodular lymphoid tissue found in the region where the nasal and oral cavities open into the pharynx. The tonsils are important sources of blood lymphocytes. They often become inflamed and enlarged, necessitating surgical removal. See also Tonsillitis.

The two palatine (faucial) tonsils are almond-shaped bodies measuring 1 by 0.5 in. (2.5 by 1.2 cm) and are embedded between folds of tissue connecting the pharynx and posterior part of the tongue with the soft palate. These are the structures commonly known as the tonsils. The lingual tonsil occupies the posterior part of the tongue surface. It is really a collection of 35–100 separate tonsillar units, each having a single crypt surrounded by lymphoid tissue. Each tonsil forms a smooth swelling about 0.08–0.16 in. (2–4 mm) in diameter. The pharyngeal tonsil (called adenoids when enlarged) occupies the roof of the nasal part of the pharynx. This tonsil may enlarge to block the nasal passage, forcing mouth breathing. See also Lymphatic system.

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n

One of two small tissue masses on opposite sides of the oropharynx, between the faucial pillars, which are believed to serve as the first line of defense against bacteria that enters the oral cavity via the mouth.

Pertaining to or emanating from tonsil (1).

• t. fossa — the recess that houses a tonsil such as that which partly conceals the palatine tonsils of the dog.
• t. inflammation — see tonsillitis.
• t. sinus — the single opening of a compound follicle of a tonsil, as occurs in the palatine tonsil of cattle.

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Dansk (Danish)
n. - (Anat.) mandel

Nederlands (Dutch)
amandel

Français (French)
n. - amygdale

Deutsch (German)
n. - Mandel, Tonsille

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - (ανατ.) αμυγδαλή

Italiano (Italian)
tonsilla

Português (Portuguese)
n. - amígdala (f), tonsila (f)

Русский (Russian)
миндалевидная железа

Español (Spanish)
n. - amígdala

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - halsmandel, tonsill (med.)

中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
扁桃腺

中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 扁桃腺

한국어 (Korean)
n. - 편도선

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - 扁桃, 扁桃腺

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) أحدى لوزتي ألحلق, أللوزة‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮שקד (בלוטה)‬

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