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Tonsils, Adenoids, and Uvula

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

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 8/, 010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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