What are the functions of the tonsils and adenoids?
Tonsils and adenoids are near the entrance to the breathing passages where they can catch incoming germs, which cause infections. They sample bacteria and viruses and can become infected themselves. Scientists believe they work as part of the body’s immune system by filtering germs that attempt to invade the body, an that they help develop antibodies to germs. This happens primarily during the first few years of life, becoming less important as we get older. Children who must have their tonsils and adenoids removed suffer no loss in their resistance.
