Tonsils are part of the immune system and play a key role in fighting infection and disease. They are located in the back of the throat and help filter out germs that enter through the nose or mouth to protect the rest of the body from infection. Tonsils contain a lot of white blood cells, which help kill germs. They can also "catch" germs that enter the body through the nose or mouth. Tonsils are part of a group of tonsillar structures called Waldeyers ring, which form a ring around the opening to the throat from the mouth and nose. Waldeyers ring prevents germs like viruses or bacteria from entering the body through the mouth or the nose.
Sometimes, tonsils can become inflamed, known as tonsillitis, which makes them swell up and turn very red. The most common symptoms are a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever. If these issues are chronic, a healthcare provider might recommend a tonsillectomy (tonsil removal) . Although tonsils and adenoids may help to prevent infection, they are not considered to be very important, and the body has other means of preventing infection and fighting off bacteria and viruses.
