The tonsils are 2 oval-shaped pads of tissue on both sides of the throat, above and behind the tongue. They are part of the immune system, which helps the body fight infection. The major function of the tonsils is to catch incoming germs before the germs cause infections in the throat, mouth or sinuses. Tonsils contain cells that fight infection and antibodies that stop the spread of the germs into the body.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation