Theoretical and clinical aspects of the tonsillar function.
A general review of the state of the art in tonsillar function research is given. A proliferation of B lymphocytes, evoked by antigens and/or polyclonal activators, occurs in the tonsil. Such a process, i.e. the supply of B cells to the organism facilitating a number of immune reactions, is to be considered the main function of the tonsil. The formation of antibodies must be regarded as a by-effect caused by an intratonsillar defence mechanism; it is helpful in safeguarding the structural and functional integrity of the organ. A model of the tonsil on the basis of cybernetics is derived from the results obtained and from the histological structure of the organ. Tonsillar involution is characterized by a decline in B cell proliferation, eventually leading to a weakening of the intratonsillar defence mechanism. Genetic disposition and defective functioning of the intratonsillar defence mechanism are discussed as pathogenetic factors in tonsillitis.
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D014068:Tonsillectomy; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology