tonsil

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.

One of two prominent oval bodies situated in the recesses formed, one on each side of the fauces, between the anterior and posterior palatine arches.

One of a pair of small superficial lobes of the cerebellum; the cerebellar amygdala. Also tonsilla in both senses.

One of the two glandular organs situated in the throat at the sides of the fauces. The tonsils are sometimes called the almonds, from their shape.

Either of a pair of small masses of lymphoid tissue that lie on each side of the throat and that help protect the body against infection; palatine tonsil.

Any of various small masses of lymphoid tissues, including palatine tonsils, adenoids and lingual tonsils.

either of two masses of lymphatic tissue one on each side of the oral pharynx