Can you spell tonsil?
Can you spell tonsil?
The tonsils (palatine tonsils) are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the rear of the throat (pharynx). Each tonsil is composed of tissue similar to lymph nodes, covered by pink mucosa (like on the adjacent mouth lining). The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, which helps to fight infections.
What does the root word tonsil mean?
tonsil (n.) 1600, from Latin tonsillae, tosillae (plural) “tonsils,” diminutive of toles “goiter,” which is perhaps of Gaulish origin.
Is tonsil a word root?
The root or stem of a medical term usually has been derived from a Greek or Latin noun or verb. This root expresses the basic meaning of the term….Word Roots.
| Medical Term | Root | Root Definition |
|---|---|---|
| tonsillitis | tonsilla | tonsil (Latin tonsilla) |
| thermal | therm | heat |
| prognosis | gno | to know |
What’s another word for tonsil?
In this page you can discover 11 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for tonsil, like: palatine-tonsil, tonsilla, adenoids, testicle, vulva, spleen, gallbladder, abdomen, cervix, scrotum and faucial-tonsil.
What are tonsils used for?
The tonsils play a role in protecting the body against respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Each tonsil consists of a network of crypts (pits) that store cells used to fight infection. The tonsils contain B cells, a type of white blood cell that fights infections.
What is the purpose of tonsils?
The main function of tonsils is to trap germs (bacteria and viruses) which you may breathe in. Proteins called antibodies produced by the immune cells in the tonsils help to kill germs and help to prevent throat and lung infections.
How many tonsils does a human have?
Most people have five tonsils. These include a single pharyngeal tonsil, often referred to as the adenoid , located in the posterior wall of the upper part of the throat. A pair of palatine tonsils is found at the back of the mouth; a pair of lingual tonsils is located at the base of the tongue.
What causes enlarged tonsils?
However, tonsils and adenoids can become enlarged because they become infected with a virus or bacteria that cause throat infections (sore throat). In addition, allergies (such as seasonal allergies or year-round allergies), irritants, and, possibly, gastroesophageal reflux also can cause the tonsils and adenoids to enlarge.