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What Are the Functions of the Tonsils?

Tonsils are part of the lymphatic system and protect the body from harmful germs and contaminants. They lie strategically, just behind the mouth and nose, and form the first station of defense against all ingested and inhaled pollutants. The loose pieces of hanging tissue located on either side of the throat are called palatine tonsils. Those that lie within the throat, near the posterior opening of the nasal cavity are the adenoids, or pharyngeal tonsils. The paired structured that lie at the base of the tongue are called lingual tonsils.

  1. Provide Immunity

    • Tonsils function to trap bacteria and antigens and allow the body to produce antibodies against them. According to the article "Immunity in Health: The Function of the Tonsils and other Sub-epithelial Lymphatic Glands in the Bodily Economy," the primary function of the tonsils is to provide local immunity. They trap viruses, bacteria and other infectious contaminants and hold on to them before the immune system goes in for the kill.

    Process Lymphatic Fluid

    • Tonsils process lymphatic or lymph fluid in unison with other lymphoid tissue. Lymph fluid is circulated in the tissues of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system functions to remove interstitial fluid from tissues and adjacent organs, to absorb fatty acids and transport them into the circulatory system, and to transport immune cells to and from lymph nodes. Lymph fluid contains fats, proteins and lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cells. It plays a primary role in filtering and destroying germs and toxins.

    Produce Antibodies

    • Tonsils produce antibodies that neutralize respiratory infections (e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, laryngitis, sinusitis and rhinitis) that enter through the throat, mouth or nose. Antibodies (or immunoglobulins) are proteins that are found in the blood and other bodily fluids. They are produced by various components of the body's immune system and provide protection against chemicals, viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria. According to an article published by the Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, tonsillar B cells (a type of palatine tonsil cells) mature to produce five classes of antibodies. They produce specific antibodies against staphylococcus aureus, haemophilus influenzae, streptococcus pneumoniae, poliovirus and diptheria toxoid.

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