What functions do the tonsils and adenoids serve? Are they important?

Tonsils and adenoids are both composed of the same type of tissue called lymphoid tissue. Lymphoid tissue helps in the immune system by producing and processing antibodies. Numerous studies have looked at the effect of removing tonsils and adenoids on the immune system. Because lymphoid tissue is found throughout the body, removal of the tonsils and adenoids do not have a noticeable affect. It appears that in many cases tonsils and adenoids may become "dysfunctional" or "over react" to our society's infections and may be more of a liability than an asset.