•  
  •  

Tonsils, Adenoids, and Uvula

Picture of the tonsils and uvula
Picture of the location of tonsils and adenoids

The tonsils and adenoids are made of lymph tissue in the throat. They help make substances (antibodies) that help the body fight infection. The tonsils can be seen on either side of the throat at the back of the mouth. The adenoids are higher in the throat and usually cannot be seen.

The uvula is the small, finger-shaped piece of tissue that hangs down from the soft palate in the back of the throat. It can usually be seen when a person opens his or her mouth wide.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology
Last Revised December 8, 2010

Last Revised: December 8, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.