The tonsils are lymphoglandular organs found in the oral cavity and perform a function of protecting the respiratory system from microorganisms in the air.
They are divided into four major categories: pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids), tubal, palatine and lingual tonsils.
Acute tonsillitis is commonly defined as inflammation of the palatine tonsils, visible in the oropharynx, lateral to the uvula. Beginning in early childhood, the palatine tonsils undergo progressive atrophy.
The tonsils are exposed to inflammation, most often due to viruses and, more rarely, bacteria, causing enlargement, accompanied by painful symptoms.
