oropharyngeal

Oropharyngeal refers to the oropharynx, the middle section of the pharynx located behind the oral cavity. It extends from the soft palate superiorly to the upper edge of the epiglottis inferiorly. It communicates anteriorly with the oral cavity and posteriorly with the laryngopharynx, forming part of both the airway and the digestive tract. The oropharyngeal mucosa is lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Key structures within the oropharynx include the palatine tonsils, lingual tonsils, the posterior pharyngeal wall, and the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches.

Anatomically, the oropharynx plays a role in swallowing and airway protection. During swallowing, the epiglottis and surrounding tissues help prevent aspiration while guiding the bolus toward the esophagus. The tonsillar tissue contributes to immune defense by sampling antigens encountered in the oral cavity and initiating local immune responses.

Clinically, the oropharynx is a common site of infection and pathology. Infections such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis affect this region and can cause sore throat, odynophagia, and fever. Oropharyngeal cancer, most often squamous cell carcinoma, is associated with risk factors including human papillomavirus infection (notably HPV-16), tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. Symptoms may include sore throat, a persistent throat lump, dysphagia, and neck lymphadenopathy.

Diagnostic and therapeutic contexts include oropharyngeal swabs for bacterial culture or viral testing and procedures or devices related to the region, such as the oropharyngeal airway used to maintain an open airway during anesthesia or resuscitation, and clinical examination of the oropharynx.