The role of adenoids in the human body

The adenoids are located in a relatively hidden place in our body. Because they are also called tonsils, they are very prone to swelling and hypertrophy. Most people who suffer from this disease are generally children aged three or four. When the children reach their teens, the adenoids will slowly shrink and can be cured without treatment. So what is the role of adenoids in the human body?

The adenoids are hidden at the junction of the top and back walls of the nasopharynx. They are a type of lymphoid tissue, also known as tonsils. It is shaped like half a peeled orange, with an uneven surface and 5 to 6 longitudinal grooves, which are prone to retain viruses and bacteria. Generally, the adenoids grow largest around the age of 6 and begin to shrink after the age of 10. But a small number of adults still have residual adenoids.

Tonsils are important immune organs. It generally has important physiological functions for children under six years old, and arbitrary removal will reduce the body's immunity. As people grow older and their immunity becomes stronger, they no longer need it and it naturally atrophies.

Tonsils function:

After being stimulated by external inflammation, the tonsils participate in cellular immunity and humoral immunity. The immunoglobulins produced have strong immunity, can inhibit the adhesion, growth and spread of bacteria to the respiratory mucosa, inhibit the spread and neutralize viruses, and can deal with various pathogenic microorganisms that invade the body. It has an anti-disease effect and is called the "health guardian" of the human body.

Adenoids, also known as pharyngeal tonsils, are a group of lymphoid tissue, similar to the palatine tonsils, attached to the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. If infected during childhood, the adenoids can become swollen and inflamed, and may also become permanently enlarged. Enlarged adenoids can hinder nasal breathing and affect the drainage of the sinuses, making one more susceptible to sinusitis. It can also block the Eustachian duct (the passage from the nasopharyngeal head to the middle ear), leading to middle ear infection. When adenoids hypertrophy causes other adverse reactions, the adenoids should be removed surgically, which can only bring benefits and no harm.