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Tonsils and adenoids

Healthwise
By Debby Golonka, MPH

The tonsils and adenoids are made of lymph tissue in the throat. They help make substances called antibodies that help the body fight infection.

The tonsils can be seen on either side of the throat at the back of the throat. The adenoids are higher in the throat and usually cannot be seen.

Author:Debby Golonka, MPH
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 02/02/2009