tonsils

Tonsils are small, round lumps of tissue located at the back of the throat and the base of the tongue. They are part of the immune system, helping to catch and fight germs that enter through the mouth and nose. Tonsils produce white blood cells and antibodies to protect against infections. While they can become infected themselves, leading to sore throats or tonsillitis, they play an important role in immune defense, especially in children. Sometimes, if they frequently cause problems, doctors may recommend removing them through a simple surgery called tonsillectomy.