Summary Information: Tonsils. Tonsils: The tonsils are structures of the immune system located in the pharynx and throat. The tonsils protect the body from potential infection of invading pathogens into the respiratory system and the digestive system.They possibly play a role in fighting pharyngeal infections and upper respiratory infections.hese symptoms are related to afflictions of the organ: Tonsils: 1  Sore throat. 2  Fever. 3  Bad breath. 4  Throat tightening. 5  Cough. 6  White bumps on tonsils. 7  Swollen tonsils. 8  Pharyngeal sore. 9  Lumps in neck. 10  Neck pain.