Inasmuch as adenoids are tucked away up behind the palate, and are therefore out of sight, it may be well to study the picture shown above. The air passes into the lungs as shown by the arrows. At the place marked "A T" nature has provided a kind of moist cushion which helps to filter impurities out of the air. This cushion is formed of what doctors call "adenoid tissue" and is similar to that which makes up the tonsils. When this adenoid tissue grows abnormally large it forms what are known as "adenoids." From the position of these adenoids as shown on the diagram.