Responsible for the passage of air and food, the oropharynx begins at the height of the soft palate and the uvula, and ends near the epiglottis and the hyoid bone.
Covered with a multi-layered non-keratinized squamous epithelium, the oropharynx houses the base of the tongue, the palatine and lingual tonsils, the palatoglossus arch, the palatopharynx arch and the superior constrictor and palatopharyngeal muscles.
By channeling the air introduced with respiration towards the larynx, the oropharynx plays a decisive role in the respiratory function; moreover, it is responsible for promoting swallowing and protecting the human body from any pathogens.
The oropharynx can be affected by various medical conditions, including oropharyngeal carcinoma and tonsillitis.
The oropharynx is an integral part of the throat.
