How the Body Works: The Tonsils and Adenoids

The tonsils and adenoids are glands composed of lymphoid tissue, which are found at the back of the mouth and the back of the throat. They form the first line of defense against airborne organisms. Bacteria and viruses in the air pass through the nose or the mouth. They are then carried to the tonsils and the adenoids, where they multiply in number and cause inflammation. White blood cells are attracted to the area to combat the organisms, and cause the swelling and sore throat that accompany infection of the glands. Continued infection causes swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.