What function do adenoids and tonsils serve? Aren they important?
The tonsils and the adenoids are mostly composed of lymphoid tissue, which is found throughout gastro intestinal 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. To date, there seems to be no adverse effect on the immune status or health of patients, who have had them removed. Any noticeable effect has generally been positive. It appears that the tonsils and the adenoids were not “designed” to effectively handle the multitude or viral infections that occur in children in an urban population. It is clear that in many cases the tonsil and/or the adenoids become “dysfunctional” and are more of a liability than an asset.
