Adenoid

Adenoids
Location of the adenoid
Details
SystemLymphatic system
Identifiers
Latintonsilla pharyngea
MeSHD000234
TA98A05.3.01.006
TA25186
FMA54970
Anatomical terminology

The adenoid, also known as the pharyngeal tonsil, or nasopharyngeal tonsil is the superior-most of the tonsils. It is a mass of lymphoid tissue located behind the nasal cavity, in the roof and the posterior wall of the nasopharynx, where the nose blends into the throat. In children, it normally forms a soft mound in the roof and back wall of the nasopharynx, just above and behind the uvula.

The term adenoid is also used in anatomy to represent adenoid hypertrophy, the abnormal growth of the pharyngeal tonsils.