Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

name         Hannah
status       other
age          20s

Question -   I read Jade's answer to the question, "what are tonsils
used fof?".  I thought they function as filters.  How come it is okay to
remove them?  What are the advantages and disadvantages of having them
removed?
------------------------------------------------
Tonsils are really lymph nodes.  Yes, they sort of filter the blood of
bacteria etc.  All of your blood supply passes through one lymph node or
another.  Unfortunately some of them get chronically infected.  Yes, they are
there for a reason and they play a necessary role.  But when all else fails,
they can be removed and you should be OK.  Think of all of the kids in the
50's and 60's who got their tonsils removed just because everyone did!  Most
are no worse for the wear.  However, removal now is a last resort.
Van Hoeck
=========================================================