Adenoid
Adenoid
Adenoid (/əˈdɛnɔɪd/), also known as pharyngeal tonsil or nasopharyngeal tonsil, is a mass of lymphatic tissue situated posterior to the nasal cavity, in the roof of the nasopharynx, where the nose blends into the throat.
Etymology
The term "adenoid" is derived from the Greek word "adenoeides", meaning "gland-like". It was first used in medical literature by Wilhelm Meyer in 1868.
Function
Adenoids are part of the immune system and play a role in fighting infections and building immunity in children. They produce white blood cells and antibodies to combat pathogens entering the body through the nose or mouth.
Related Terms
- Adenoidectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the adenoids.
- Adenoid hypertrophy: A condition characterized by the enlargement or overgrowth of the adenoids.
- Tonsils: Two small masses of lymphoid tissue in the throat, one on each side of the root of the tongue.
- Nasopharynx: The upper part of the throat that lies behind the nose.
- Lymphatic system: The network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials.
See Also
- Otolaryngology: The branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat.
- Immunology: The branch of medicine and biology concerned with immunity.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Adenoid
- Wikipedia's article - Adenoid
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