The tonsils are key components of the body's immune system located at the back of the throat and palate. Their primary function is to act as a first line of defense against germs entering through the mouth or nose. They trap bacteria and viruses and contain many white blood cells that produce antibodies to kill these germs and help prevent throat and lung infections
. There are several types of tonsils forming a ring called Waldeyer's ring around the throat's entrance:
- Palatine tonsils (visible on each side of the throat)
- Adenoids (located behind the nose)
- Lingual tonsils (at the base of the tongue)
- Tubal tonsils
This ring of lymphoid tissue monitors and responds to pathogens inhaled or ingested, initiating immune responses. Tonsils have specialized structures (crypts and M cells) that increase their surface area to sample antigens efficiently. They activate immune cells like B and T lymphocytes to produce antibodies (especially IgA), providing local mucosal immunity and systemic protection
. In summary, tonsils serve as immune surveillance stations, trapping and neutralizing pathogens early to protect the respiratory and digestive tracts from infection
