Question

Which of the following statements regarding the tonsils is correct?

1) The tonsils are located on the posterior nasopharyngeal wall.
2) The tonsils rarely become swollen enough to obstruct the airway.
3) The tonsils are comprised of lymphatic tissue and help to trap bacteria.
4) The tonsils are located in the anterior pharynx and filter bacteria.

Answer 1

The tonsils, composed of lymphatic tissue, are correctly identified as structures that trap and help eliminate bacteria. They are part of the immune system, located in the pharynx with the pharyngeal tonsils situated in the nasopharynx and the palatine tonsils on each side of the pharynx. The correct option is 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement regarding the tonsils is that the tonsils are comprised of lymphatic tissue and help to trap bacteria. Tonsils are lymphoid nodules located in the pharynx that play a significant role in developing immunity to oral pathogens by trapping and destroying them.

The pharyngeal tonsils, or adenoids, are found on the roof of the posterior superior wall of the nasopharynx, while the palatine tonsils are each side of the pharynx. Although it is less common, the tonsils can become swollen enough to obstruct the airway in some cases, especially in children. Hence, 3 is the correct option.

Answer 2

The following true statements regarding the tonsils is 2) The tonsils rarely become swollen enough to obstruct the airway.

Step-by-step explanation:

The tonsils are located in different parts of the throat and are important for the immune system. The pharyngeal tonsil, also known as the adenoid, is located on the roof of the posterior superior wall of the nasopharynx. The palatine tonsils are located on each side of the throat in the oropharynx. Both tonsils are comprised of lymphatic tissue and help to trap and destroy bacteria and other pathogens entering the body through the mouth or nose.

While the tonsils are an important part of the immune system, they can become swollen and obstruct the airway, especially in children. Therefore the tonsils are located in different parts of the throat and help trap and destroy bacteria. They can become swollen and obstruct the airway. The correct answer is 2) The tonsils rarely become swollen enough to obstruct the airway.