What is the function of tonsils?

Subcutaneous lymphoid tissue mass of oropharynx. There are several groups of lymphoid tissues around the base of tongue and pharynx, which are called palatal tonsil, pharyngeal tonsil and lingual tonsil respectively. Among them, the palatine tonsil is the largest, which is usually called palatine tonsil. There are a pair of palatine tonsils, which are oval, located between the lingual palatine arch and the pharyngeal palatine arch, and their surfaces are covered by stratified squamous epithelium. Epithelium sinks into tonsil formation 10 ~ 20 crypt, containing exfoliated epithelial cells. Lymphocytes and bacteria, etc. Lymphatic nodules and diffuse lymphoid tissue are densely distributed around the subcutaneous and crypt, and lymphocytes often pass through the epithelium and deposit in the oropharynx. Tonsil capsule is a dense layer of connective tissue, which separates the palatine tonsil from adjacent organs and has a barrier effect to prevent the spread of palatine tonsil infection.

Tonsils can produce lymphocytes and antibodies, so they have the defense function against bacteria and viruses. The pharynx is the only way to eat and breathe, and frequent contact makes it easier to hide germs and foreign bodies. The abundant lymphoid tissues and tonsils in the pharynx perform defense and protection tasks in this special area of the body. However, it is also vulnerable to attack by hemolytic streptococcus. Staphylococcus and pneumococcus are inflamed by bacteria and invasion. These bacteria usually exist in human pharynx and tonsil crypt. Under normal circumstances, due to the integrity of the epithelium on the surface of tonsil and the continuous secretion of mucous glands, bacteria can be excreted from the crypt with exfoliated epithelial cells, thus maintaining the health of the body. When the body's resistance decreases due to fatigue, cold and other reasons, the epithelial defense function weakens and the gland secretion function decreases, bacterial infection and inflammation will occur in tonsils. If tonsillitis recurs and has adverse effects on the whole body, surgical tonsillectomy can be considered.

Tonsillitis refers to acute or chronic inflammation of tonsils. Acute tonsillitis can be cured in about 7 ~ 10 days by symptomatic treatment with antibiotics such as penicillin, cephalosporin and lycopene. Chronic tonsillitis is often caused by repeated attacks of acute tonsillitis or poor drainage of crypt, which leads to chronic inflammatory lesions in crypt and its essence; It can also occur after some acute infectious diseases. Primary tonsillitis is caused by foreign body stimulation and invasion of pathogenic bacteria such as hemolytic streptococcus or staphylococcus. Secondary tonsillitis often occurs in stomatitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis and chronic vomiting.

After 5 to 6 years old, the immune function of tonsils has been gradually replaced by other organs, so there is no need to worry about whether the immunity will be reduced after tonsillectomy.