How do tonsils and adenoids help protect respiratory system?

The tonsils and adenoids are two important parts of the respiratory system that help to protect the body from infection.

Tonsils

The tonsils are two small, oval-shaped masses of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the throat, one on each side. They are part of the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and nodes that helps to fight infection.

The tonsils help to protect the body by trapping bacteria and viruses that enter the throat. When these germs are trapped, they are destroyed by white blood cells called lymphocytes.

Adenoids

The adenoids are a similar mass of lymphoid tissue, located at the back of the nasal cavity, behind the nose. They help to protect the body by trapping bacteria and viruses that enter the nose.

The tonsils and adenoids are both important parts of the respiratory system, and they help to protect the body from infection. However, in some cases, the tonsils and adenoids can become infected or enlarged, which can cause problems with breathing and swallowing. In these cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the tonsils and adenoids.