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Oropharynx

Medically Reviewed by Anatomy Team

  • Last updated on January 27, 2025

Table of Contents

The oropharynx is the middle section of the pharynx, connecting the oral cavity to the laryngopharynx.[2] It plays a crucial role in swallowing, breathing, and vocalization, acting as a shared pathway for food and air.[3]

Anatomy

Location

  • Lies posterior to the oral cavity and extends from the soft palate superiorly to the level of the hyoid bone inferiorly.
  • It is continuous with the nasopharynx above and the laryngopharynx below.[5]

Boundaries

  • Superior: Soft palate and uvula.
  • Inferior: Hyoid bone and the epiglottis.
  • Anterior: Base of the tongue and the oral cavity.
  • Posterior: Pharyngeal wall (part of the pharyngeal constrictor muscles).[7]

Structure

  • Lined by stratified squamous epithelium to withstand mechanical and chemical stress from ingested food and liquids.
  • Contains a rich vascular and lymphatic network.[8]

Key Components

  • Tonsillar Fossa: Contains the palatine tonsils, a critical part of the lymphatic system.
  • Base of the Tongue: Anchored in the oropharynx, with lingual tonsils providing immune functions.
  • Pharyngeal Muscles: Include superior and middle pharyngeal constrictors, aiding in swallowing.

Function

  • Swallowing (Deglutition):
    • Acts as a passage for food and liquids from the oral cavity to the esophagus.
    • Coordinates muscle actions to ensure the epiglottis closes the airway during swallowing.
  • Airway Conduction: Serves as a conduit for air traveling between the nasopharynx and laryngopharynx during breathing.
  • Immune Defense: Houses the palatine and lingual tonsils, part of the body’s lymphatic system, which trap and neutralize pathogens.[1]
  • Speech and Vocalization: Provides resonance for sounds produced by the larynx.

Clinical Significance

  • Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the palatine tonsils due to bacterial or viral infections, often causing sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
  • Oropharyngeal Cancer: Often linked to tobacco, alcohol, or HPV infection. Symptoms include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and visible masses.
  • Sleep Apnea: Obstruction in the oropharynx due to excessive soft tissue or reduced muscle tone, causing breathing difficulties during sleep.[4]
  • Dysphagia: Disorders affecting the oropharyngeal muscles can impair swallowing, leading to choking or aspiration.
  • Infections: Common site for infections like pharyngitis or abscesses (e.g., peritonsillar abscess).[6]
Respiratory System
Upper Respiratory Tract
Lower Respiratory Tract
Supporting Structures

References

  1. Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 8th ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2017. ISBN 978-1496347213.
  2. Standring S. Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st ed. Elsevier; 2016. ISBN 978-0702052309.
  3. Netter FH. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2022. ISBN 978-0323680424.
  4. Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell AWM. Gray’s Anatomy for Students. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2020. ISBN 978-0323393041.
  5. Goss CM. Gray’s Anatomy of the Human Body. 29th ed. Lea & Febiger; 1973. ISBN 978-0812106442.
  6. Larsen WJ. Human Embryology. 3rd ed. Churchill Livingstone; 2001. ISBN 978-0443065838.
  7. McMinn RMH, Abrahams PH, Hutchings RT, Marks SC. McMinn’s Clinical Atlas of Human Anatomy. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2013. ISBN 978-0323055253.
  8. Kamel KS, Reddy R. Applied Head and Neck Anatomy for the Facial Cosmetic Surgeon. 1st ed. Springer; 2014. ISBN 978-3642546005.