Palatine Glands

In the back of the mouth, on either side of the tongue and closely associated with the palate, are masses of lymphatic tissue called "palatine tonsils," or sometimes just tonsils. These structures lie beneath the lining of the mouth and, like other lymphatic tissues, they help to protect the body against infections. These are common sites of infection, and when they become inflamed, the condition is called "tonsillitis."