orofarünksi

The oropharynx is the part of the pharynx that lies posterior to the oral cavity and extends from the soft palate superiorly to the level of the hyoid bone inferiorly. It is a crucial anatomical region involved in both breathing and swallowing. The oropharynx is lined with stratified squamous epithelium, a type of tissue that is resistant to abrasion.

Key structures within the oropharynx include the palatine tonsils, also known as the tonsils, which are lymphoid tissues important for the immune system. The base of the tongue is also considered part of the oropharynx. This region plays a vital role in the passage of food from the mouth to the esophagus during the act of deglutition. Additionally, air passes through the oropharynx on its way to the larynx and lungs.

The oropharynx is bordered anteriorly by the oral cavity, superiorly by the soft palate, inferiorly by the hyoid bone, and laterally by the pharyngoepiglottic folds. Conditions affecting the oropharynx can include tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and oral cancers. Understanding the anatomy and function of the oropharynx is essential in fields such as medicine, dentistry, and speech pathology.