How is it an 'accomplishment' if you still have your tounsils when you are 30+ y/o?

Question

Source:

http://uk.encarta.msn.com/encnet/Features/Lists/?article=UselessBodyParts

The site does say:

" Also prone to swelling and infection. If you still have them when you reach your 30s, it's almost an accomplishment."

Why/how is an accomplishment?

How do the tonsils swell and get infected?

What causes them to swell and get infected?

Thanks.

Answer 1

The tonsils are areas of lymphoid tissue on either side of the throat. An infection of the tonsils is called tonsillitis. Most commonly, the term "tonsils" refers to the palatine tonsils that can be seen in the back of the throat.

Like other organs of the lymphatic system, the tonsils act as part of the immune system to help protect against infection. In particular, they are believed to be involved in helping fight off pharyngeal and upper respiratory tract infections.

Tonsillectomy (surgical removal of tonsils) may be indicated if they are obstructing the airway or interfering with swallowing. Also, when tonsils become overly enlarged or inflamed they may need to be surgically removed. In older patients, asymmetric tonsils (also known as asymmetric tonsil hypertrophy) may be an indicator of virally infected tonsils, or tumors such as lymphoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

I am 64 and still have my tonsils