The primary purpose of the tonsils and adenoids is to trap and destroy viruses and bacteria. Some children and adults are prone to develop infections of the tonsils and adenoids. These infections can be caused by many different kinds of bacteria, though the one most people hear about is streptococcus.

If these infections are especially severe, or if they occur frequently, it may be best to remove the tonsils and adenoids.

The uvula hangs down from the middle of the soft palate, between the tonsils. The adenoids are located above the soft palate on the back wall of the throat near the eustachian tubes. The eustachian tubes are small air passages that connect the space under the eardrum with the back of the nose. When you clear your ears on an airplane, you are equalizing air pressure through the eustachian tubes.