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What two regions of the pharynx contain tonsils? What is their purpose?

User Nico R
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Final answer:

The nasopharynx and oropharynx are the two regions of the pharynx that contain tonsils, which play an important role in the body's immune defense system by trapping and destroying pathogens.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two regions of the pharynx that contain tonsils are the nasopharynx and the oropharynx. Tonsils are lymphoid nodules important in developing immunity to oral pathogens. The pharyngeal tonsils, or adenoids, are located on the roof of the nasopharynx and are involved in the immune response by trapping and destroying incoming pathogens during inhalation. The palatine tonsils are located in the oropharynx, at the area of the fauces, and play a similar role in the immune defense system. They accumulate materials taken in through eating and breathing to encourage pathogens to penetrate into the lymphoid tissue where they can be eliminated.

User JArgente
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