Question 1

Why do you have tonsils and what do they do?

Accepted Answer

Tonsils are clusters of immune tissue at the back of the throat that trap germs entering through the mouth and nose. They sample bacteria and viruses, help produce antibodies, and train the immune system, especially in children between ages three and ten.

Question 2

Is it bad to have your tonsils removed?

Accepted Answer

A large 2018 Danish study of nearly 1.2 million children found tonsil removal was linked to a higher long-term risk of respiratory illness. Removal is still justified for severe recurrent infections or sleep apnea, but guidelines now favor caution and watchful waiting.

Question 3

How many tonsils does a person actually have?

Accepted Answer

Most people think of two, but the throat is guarded by four sets of lymphoid tissue: the palatine tonsils, the adenoids, the lingual tonsils, and the tubal tonsils. Together they form a defensive circle called Waldeyer's ring.

surgery

All essays in .

The Sentinels at the Back of Your Throat