Final answer:
The palatine tonsils, located laterally in the oropharynx, are most likely to become infected due to their role in trapping and destroying pathogens and their susceptibility to exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The palatine tonsils are the most likely to become infected. They are located laterally in the oropharynx in the area of the fauces, which is a passageway for both air and food. The palatine tonsils are composed of lymphoid tissue, which traps and destroys pathogens entering the body through the oral or nasal cavities. Due to their location and their role in immune response, they are exposed to more potential infectious agents than other tonsillar tissues, making them more susceptible to infections—conditionally termed tonsillitis. Furthermore, tonsils are often removed in children who have recurring throat infections, especially those involving the palatine tonsils which can interfere with breathing and/or swallowing. The tubal tonsil, lingual tonsil and pharyngeal tonsil (also known as an adenoid), do not get infected as often as the palatine tonsils.