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 and destroying harmful bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth. These tonsils are not as well-known as the palatine tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat. Lingual tonsils can sometimes become enlarged or inflamed, leading to discomfort or difficulty swallowing. They play a role in the body's overall defense system, similar to other lymphoid tissues like the adenoids and palatine tonsils.