The tonsils are clusters of lymphatic tissue located in the mucosa of the pharynx, forming a ring known as Waldeyer's ring around the entrance of the throat. There are four main types of tonsils, each with specific locations:

• Palatine tonsils: These are the most commonly referred to as "the tonsils." They are located on each side of the back of the throat, specifically in the lateral walls of the oropharynx, between the palatoglossal arch (front) and the palatopharyngeal arch (back)

• Pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids): Located on the roof of the nasopharynx, near the opening of the nasal cavity into the pharynx, high up behind the nose and throat

• Lingual tonsils: Found at the base of the tongue on its posterior surface, behind the terminal sulcus of the tongue

• Tubal tonsils: Situated near the openings of the Eustachian tubes in the lateral walls of the nasopharynx

Together, these tonsils form a ring of lymphoid tissue that acts as a first line of defense against pathogens entering through the mouth or nose

. In summary, the tonsils are located at the back of the throat and nearby areas: the palatine tonsils on either side of the oropharynx, the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids) in the nasopharynx, the lingual tonsils at the base of the tongue, and the tubal tonsils near the Eustachian tube openings