Oropharyngées

Oropharyngées refers to the oropharynx, which is the part of the pharynx located behind the oral cavity. It extends from the soft palate superiorly to the level of the hyoid bone inferiorly. This anatomical region is a crucial passageway for both air and food.

The oropharynx is lined with stratified squamous epithelium, a type of tissue that can withstand abrasion from food. It contains several important structures. The tonsils, also known as palatine tonsils, are lymphoid tissues located on either side of the oropharynx, playing a role in the immune system. The base of the tongue, which is the posterior part of the tongue, is also considered part of the oropharynx. The uvula, a fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate, hangs down into this space.

Functionally, the oropharynx is involved in several processes. During swallowing (deglutition), the soft palate elevates to close off the nasopharynx, preventing food from entering the nasal cavity. The muscles of the oropharynx contract to propel food downwards into the laryngopharynx and esophagus. It also serves as a resonant chamber for speech.

Medical conditions affecting the oropharynx include infections such as pharyngitis (sore throat) and tonsillitis. Cancers can also arise in this region, often linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or tobacco and alcohol use. Examination of the oropharynx is a common part of a physical assessment, particularly when evaluating symptoms like sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or ear pain.