orofarynx

The oropharynx is the middle part of the pharynx, located behind the oral cavity. It extends from the soft palate superiorly to the upper border of the epiglottis inferiorly. Anteriorly it communicates with the oral cavity through the oropharyngeal isthmus, between the soft palate and the base of the tongue; posteriorly it lies against the pharyngeal wall. The oropharynx acts as a corridor for both air and swallowed food.

Its primary contents include the palatine tonsils located in the tonsillar fossae between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches, the lingual tonsils at the posterior surface of the tongue base, and the posterior third of the tongue itself. The region is lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, which protects against abrasion from ingestion and debris.

Nerve supply to the oropharynx is via the pharyngeal plexus, with sensory input largely from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) and motor fibers to the pharyngeal muscles supplied by the vagus nerve (CN X). Blood supply comes from branches of the external carotid artery, including the tonsillar branch of the facial artery and the ascending palatine artery. Lymphatic drainage primarily targets the jugulodigastric (tonsillar) nodes, among others.

Clinically, the oropharynx is a common site for infections such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis and can be involved in oropharyngeal cancers, including those associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). Evaluation often focuses on visible tonsillar tissue, covert lesions at the base of the tongue, and functions related to swallowing and airway protection.