Specific Gravity of the Tonsil and the Adenoid

Purpose: When considering about adeno-tonsillar hypertrophies it is important to know their weights as well as their specific gravities. Subjects and methods: Specific gravities of 344 tonsils and 117 adenoids were measured. Results: Average specific gravities of tonsils and adenoids were 1.08 (SD: 0.0411), 1.12 (SD: 0.574) respectively. Significant difference was observed between two (p < 0.002). Discussion: The palatine tonsils and pharyngeal tonsil or adenoid are in a Waldeyer’s ring. They are thought that they work for lymphatic immune systems. However, there are several differences between tonsil and adenoid. The former has capsule, and increases their weight by growth; on the contrary the latter has no capsule, shrinks by growth. Tonsils are relatively hard mass but adenoids are very soft and easily bleed by touching with cotton swabs via nose. Conclusion: At this study, specific gravity of the adenoid was heavier than that of tonsils. These results suggest that tonsil and adenoid are physiologically different.