View source for Adenoid

{{Infobox Anatomy |
  Name         = {{PAGENAME}} |
  Latin        = |
  GraySubject  = |
  GrayPage     = |
  Image        = Gray994-adenoid.png |
  Caption      = Location of the adenoid |
  Image2       = |
  Caption2     = |
  Precursor    = |
  System       = |
  Artery       = |
  Vein         = |
  Nerve        = |
  Lymph        = |
  MeshName     = Adenoids |
  MeshNumber   = A10.549.100 |
  DorlandsPre  = t_13 |
  DorlandsSuf  = 12812454  |
}}

{{SI}}


==Overview==
'''Adenoids''' (or '''pharyngeal tonsils''', or '''nasopharyngeal tonsils''') are a mass of [[lymphoid tissue]] situated at the very back of the nose, in the roof of the [[nasopharynx]], where the [[nose]] blends into the [[mouth]].  

Normally, in [[children]], they make a soft mound in the roof and posterior wall of the [[nasopharynx]], just above and behind the [[Palatine uvula|uvula]]. 

==Function==
Adenoids are part of the [[immune system]]. Like all lymphoid tissue, they trap infectious agents like [[viruses]] and [[bacteria]], and they produce [[antibody|antibodies]]. 

Since the adenoids are located at the back of the nasal airway, they provide defense against inhaled substances.

This function decreases with age as the adenoids shrink. Because adenoids ''do'' ordinarily shrink by late childhood, the problems caused by enlarged adenoids rarely occur in adults.

==Pathology==
Enlarged adenoids, or [[adenoid hypertrophy]], can become nearly the size of a ping pong ball and completely block airflow through the nasal passages. 

Even if enlarged adenoids are not substantial enough to physically block the back of the nose, they can obstruct airflow enough so that breathing through the nose requires an uncomfortable amount of work, and inhalation occurs instead through an open mouth. 

Adenoids can also obstruct the nasal airway enough to affect the voice without actually stopping nasal airflow altogether.

==Removal of the adenoids ==

Surgical removal of the adenoids is a procedure called [[adenoidectomy]]. 

Carried out through the mouth under a [[general anaesthetic]] (or less commonly a [[topical anesthetic | topical]]), adenoidectomy involves the adenoids being [[curette|curetted]], [[cauterization|cauterised]], lasered, or otherwise ablated.

==Histology==
Adenoids, unlike other types of [[Tonsil|tonsils]], have pseudostratified columnar epithelium.<ref>{{KansasHistology|lymphoid|lymph06}}</ref>

They also differ from the other tonsil types by lacking [[Crypt (anatomy)|crypts]].
The adenoids are often removed along with the tonsils.  This can cause a very sore throat for about a week and rather unpleasant breath.  Most people's adenoids are not even in use after a person's third year, but if they cause problems they must be taken out or they may otherwise shrink.

==See also==
*[[adenoidectomy]]
*[[lymphatic system]]
*[[pharynx]]
*[[tonsil]]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* {{RocheLexicon|25420.000-1}}
* [http://bicmra.usuhs.mil/MRA/HSeries/H14/HTMLdocs/H14low.html Histology at usuhs.mil]
* [http://www.udel.edu/Biology/Wags/histopage/colorpage/cly/cly.htm Histology at udel.edu]
* [http://www.drtbalu.com/adenoid.html /drtbalu otolaryngology online]

{{Lymphatics of head and neck}}
[[Category:Lymphatic system]]
[[Category:Head and neck]]


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