Why do we have tonsils?

Answer: First defense against infections

Produce saliva for digestion — Wrong. Tonsils don't produce saliva—salivary glands do that. Tonsils are part of the immune system, fighting throat infections.

Filter air before lungs — Wrong. The nose and upper airways filter air. Tonsils are immune organs that trap and fight germs entering through mouth and nose.

First defense against infections ✓ — Correct! Tonsils are lymphoid tissues at the back of the throat that act as the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses entering through the mouth and nose. They trap germs and produce white blood cells to fight infections.