Two small, round tissues on either side of the throat that help fight infections and are part of the immune system.
From Latin 'tonsilla' (almond), named because they resemble almonds in shape. Medieval doctors noticed their almond-like appearance and the name stuck.
Your tonsils are like bouncers at the entrance to your throat—they grab germs and bacteria to test if they're dangerous, which is why they swell when you get sick.
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