Adenoid tissue (ˈædənɔɪd ˈtɪʃu) is a glandular tissue located in the nasopharynx, which plays a crucial role in the body's immune system. The word is spelled using the phonetic alphabet, IPA, which is used to indicate how words should be pronounced. The first syllable, "ad-", is pronounced as /æd/, while the second syllable, "-enoid," is pronounced as /ˈɛnɔɪd/. The final syllable, "tissue," is pronounced as /ˈtɪʃu/. Proper spelling of medical terms is essential in the field of medicine to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
Adenoid tissue, also known as pharyngeal tonsils, refers to a type of lymphoid tissue located in the upper part of the throat, behind the nose, and close to the eustachian tubes. It is part of the body's immune system and plays a crucial role in protecting against infections. Adenoid tissue is made up of lymphocytes, which are specialized white blood cells that help fight off harmful bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth and nose.
The adenoids are usually most prominent in children, gradually enlarging during early childhood and reaching their maximum size around the age of 5 to 7 years. However, they usually begin to shrink after that and may completely disappear by adulthood. Occasionally, the adenoid tissue can become enlarged or inflamed due to recurrent infections, allergies, or other factors. This can result in various symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, and recurrent ear infections.
In some cases, if the enlarged adenoids cause significant breathing or other health problems, a doctor may recommend their removal through a surgical procedure known as an adenoidectomy. This procedure involves the complete or partial removal of the adenoid tissue to alleviate the associated symptoms and improve overall breathing and health. Adenoidectomy is a safe and common procedure, particularly in children, and is often performed in conjunction with a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils).
Lymphoid t.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "adenoid" comes from the Greek word "aden", meaning "gland", combined with the suffix "-oid", which means "resembling" or "like". "Adenoid tissue" refers to the lymphoid tissue present in the back of the nasal cavity and above the soft palate, which resembles a glandular structure.