Tonsils are often mentioned when we talk about sore throats or infections, but what exactly do they do? These small tissues located in your throat are a crucial part of your body’s defense system. Acting as frontline guardians, tonsils play a significant role in protecting you from harmful invaders.
Essentially, tonsils are part of your immune system. Their strategic position at the back of the mouth and nasal cavity allows them to intercept germs like bacteria and viruses that enter your body through your nose or mouth. Tonsils are packed with white blood cells, which are the body’s infection-fighting agents, actively working to neutralize these harmful germs.
There are three main types of tonsils, each located in a specific area of the throat:
- Palatine Tonsils: These are the tonsils most people think of when they hear the word “tonsils.” Located on both sides of the back of your throat, they are easily visible when you open your mouth wide.
- Adenoids (Pharyngeal Tonsils): Positioned high in the throat behind the nose, adenoids are not visible through the mouth. A special examination called rhinoscopy is needed to see them.
- Lingual Tonsils: Found at the very back of the tongue’s base, the lingual tonsils reside on the tongue’s surface, further down the throat.
Collectively, these tonsillar structures are sometimes referred to as Waldeyer’s ring. This name comes from the ring-like formation they create around the entrance to the throat from both the mouth and nose. This strategic arrangement creates a defensive barrier, preventing pathogens from easily entering the body’s deeper systems through these entry points. Interestingly, even if adenoids are removed, other immune cells located behind Waldeyer’s ring can partially compensate for their function, showcasing the body’s remarkable adaptability.
However, tonsils themselves can become susceptible to infection and inflammation. Tonsillitis is a common condition where the palatine tonsils become inflamed. This inflammation causes them to swell, turn red, and often develop yellowish spots. Sore throat and fever are hallmark symptoms of tonsillitis.
Furthermore, particularly in children, the palatine tonsils and adenoids can become enlarged. This enlargement can obstruct the airway, leading to difficulties in breathing, especially during sleep, and can contribute to sleep disturbances. In cases of recurrent tonsillitis or significant enlargement causing breathing problems, tonsil surgery might be considered as a treatment option.
Sources:
- Brandes R, Lang F, Schmidt R. Physiologie des Menschen: mit Pathophysiologie. Berlin: Springer; 2019.
- Menche N. Biologie Anatomie Physiologie. München: Urban und Fischer; 2020.
- Pschyrembel Online. 2022.
