2006-09-12 12:00:03 · 10 answers · asked by sweet 5 in Health ➔ Other - Health
they are supposed to help filter diseases but if they are bad then they are useless
2006-09-12 12:02:00 · answer #1 · answered by sweetiepi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are tonsils and adenoids? The tonsils are two clumps of tissue, on either side of the throat, embedded in a pocket at the side of the palate (roof of the mouth). The lower edge of each tonsil is beside the tongue...way in the back of the throat. The adenoids are a single clump of tissue in the back of the nose (nasopharynx). They are located (in the adult) on the back wall of the throat (pharynx)...about one inch above the uvula (the little teardrop shaped piece of tissue that hangs down in the middle of the soft palate).
What function do they serve? Aren't they important? The tonsils and the adenoids are mostly composed of lymphoid tissue, which is found thoughout the gastointestinal tract and on the base of the tongue. Lymphoid tissue is composed of lymphocytes...which are mostly involved in antibody production. Since we generally consider antibody production to be a good thing, many studies have been performed to try to clarify the importance of the tonsils. There seems to be no adverse effect on the immune status or health of patients who have had them removed. Any noticable effect has generally been positive. It appears that the tonsils and adenoids were not "designed" to effectively handle the multitude of viral infections that occur in children in an urban population. Rather, the immune system, including the tonsils and adenoids, developed during a era where the child was rarely exposed to a large number of other people and the germs they carried. It may also be that these organs are relatively more important in dealing with certain types of infections, such as worms or other parasites, that are relatively uncommon in today's society. It is clear that in many cases, the tonsils and/or the adenoids become "dysfunctional" and are more of a liability than an asset.
2006-09-12 12:05:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A speed bag while training for tonsil boxing contests
2006-09-12 12:01:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, and are responsible for filtering out bacteria. They are actually just large lymph nodes.
2006-09-12 12:04:04 · answer #4 · answered by Lola 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are a used by the body as defense against Infection
If removed it can result in more severe chest infections and Bronchitis
2006-09-12 12:03:57 · answer #5 · answered by Contrary Mary 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mostly they act as a method of trapping incoming antigens and recognizing them. This is one of the early stages of immune response
2006-09-12 12:03:19 · answer #6 · answered by Bufford M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
tonsillitis
2006-09-12 12:03:16 · answer #7 · answered by mom363546 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nothing, all the do is trap infections. which cause sore throats. A long time ago the removed everyone. now the just remove them if your frequenly sick
2006-09-12 12:02:27 · answer #8 · answered by blanklacey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question! I had mine out when I was 4...they don't do anything for me.
2006-09-12 12:06:31 · answer #9 · answered by **KELLEY** 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're supposed to fight off viruses and other germs. I still have mine.
2006-09-12 12:18:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anton Mathew 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋