Every organ in the body has a specific function, but the purpose of tonsils is murky. Nestled at the back of the throat, they are out of sight. Unless the tonsils become infected and cause a sore throat, they are largely ignored. Tonsils can be removed with no apparent ramifications, raising the question of what exactly is the function of tonsils.
Location
Tonsils rest in pockets on both sides of the soft palate of the mouth, explains Texas Pediatric Surgical Associates. Three types of tonsils are found in slightly different areas of the throat. Palatine tonsils are attached both sides of the back of the throat, says the website iTonsil. Lingual tonsils are located at the back of the tongue, and pharyngeal tonsils, also called adenoids, are found at the back of the nose in the portion of the throat called the nasopharynx.
Anatomy
Tonsils are simply a round mass of lymphoid tissue, notes Texas Pediatric Associates. The tissue is composed primarily of lymphocytes, which produce antibodies to fight infection. The adenoids are a single clump of lymphoid tissue.
Function
The function of tonsils is still being studied, says iTonsil, but it is likely tonsils are part of the immune system. Tonsils are positioned to trap bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth or nose. Tonsils surround the respiratory tract. As inhaled air flows through the tract, the tonsils catch infectious agents before they reach the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Tonsils are ineffective in fighting infections, however. The glands may have developed at a time when the population was scattered and person-to-person contact and transmission of infections was uncommon, speculates Texas Pediatric Associates. Tonsils may be more effective in fighting types of infections that are relatively rare in modern society, such as parasitic infections.
Complications
Tonsils may become infected or enlarged, says the Nemours Center for Children's Health website KidsHealth. Tonsillitis, characterized by red, inflamed tonsils with a white or yellow coating and a sore throat, is common in children. It may become chronic in some children. Enlarged tonsils without a sore throat are also common. Enlarged tonsils usually shrink without treatment as the child grows, but they may need to be removed if they obstruct breathing. Adenoids often cause snoring and sleep apnea. Occasionally the pits and folds of tonsils trap debris composed of dead skin cells and bacteria, creating foul-smelling breath. Benign or malignant tumors may form on tonsils.
Removal
Removal of tonsils and adenoids has no effect on the immune system, says Texas Pediatric Associates. Chronic infection and breathing difficulties are common reasons for tonsillectomies.
