The problems of tonsils and adenoids

The tonsils and adenoids are secondary lymphoid organs which have evolved to protect the human host against microbial invaders entering the body via the cephalic gateway of the body, i.e. the nasopharyngeal aperture. There are special epithelial cells and macrophages which modify the microbial antigens to present to the B and T-lymphocytes of the tonsils and adenoids. The lymphocytes produce immunoglobulins which are transported to the circulation and also topical secretory IgA which is secreted into the salvia and mucous secretions to protect the human host. The changes in these secretions as a result of recurrent tonsillitis and hypertrophy of the adenoids and tonsils are discussed. Because these are part and parcel of the defence system of the body, their surgical removal may deprive the human host of one of its defence systems.