Final answer:
The adenoids, also known as pharyngeal tonsils, are masses of lymph tissue in the nasopharynx that help trap and destroy inhaled pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The masses of lymph tissue located in the nasopharynx are known as adenoids, or pharyngeal tonsils. These are aggregations of lymphoid reticular tissue situated at the superior portion of the nasopharynx. The adenoids play a crucial role in the immune system by trapping and destroying pathogens that enter the body through inhalation. They contain a rich supply of lymphocytes and are large in children, but they may regress or even disappear as individuals get older. The adenoids are one of several types of tonsils, which are lymphoid nodules associated with the nasopharynx and are important for developing immunity to oral pathogens.