Lingual tonsils are a pair of lymphoid tissues located at the base of the tongue. They are part of the immune system and help protect the body from infections by trapping bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth. Unlike the more commonly known palatine tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat, lingual tonsils are less visible and often go unnoticed. These tonsils play a role in the body's immune response, particularly during childhood when the immune system is developing. While they can become enlarged or infected, this is less common than issues with the palatine tonsils. In most cases, lingual tonsils do not require treatment unless they cause significant discomfort or obstruct breathing.