Final answer:
The lingual tonsils, located at the base of the tongue, are lymphoid tissues that play a role in immunity. The appearance of bumps or white patches on these tonsils can signify tonsillitis, an infection that sometimes necessitates surgical removal to prevent recurrent issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lingual tonsils are a group of lymphoid nodules located at the base of the tongue. These tonsils are part of the immune system, helping the body develop immunity by reacting to oral pathogens introduced through eating and breathing. The top and sides of the tongue feature various types of papillae, including fungiform and filiform papillae, which house taste buds and touch receptors, respectively.
However, bumps on the lateral tongue related to tonsillitis are a sign of infection in the tonsil area. These white patches are a combination of dead bacteria, cellular debris, and white blood cells, which can be described as pus. In cases of persistent tonsillitis, especially involving the palatine tonsils, surgery might be recommended to prevent recurring infections and breathing or swallowing difficulties.