Everybody knows about tonsils. But not everyone knows how many tonsils we have, what tonsils do or why they may need to be removed. Knowing the facts can help alleviate the fears of one facing a tonsillectomy. There are four sets of tonsils. The adenoids or the nasopharyngeal tonsils, located at the back of the nose; the palatine or faucial tonsils, located at the sides of the pharynx which makes them the most visible ones; the lingual tonsils, at the base of the tongue; and the tubal tonsils, also located at the back of the nose surrounding the tube that connects the ear and the nose. Tonsils are masses of tissue that are similar to the lymph nodes or "glands" found in the neck, groin, and armpits. They are located near the entrance to the breathing passages where they can catch incoming germs, which cause infections. They "sample" bacteria and viruses and can become infected themselves. Scientists believe they work as part of the body's immune system...