oropharynx

Examples of oropharynx in the following topics:

• Pharynx

  • The human pharynx is divided into three sections: the nasopharynx (epipharynx), the oropharynx (mesopharynx), and the laryngopharynx (hypopharynx), which are all innervated by the pharyngeal plexus.
  • The anterior wall of the oropharynx consists of the base of the tongue and the superior wall consists of the bottom surface of the soft palate and the uvula.
  • The oropharynx contains the palatine tonsils, which are masses of lymphoid tissue found on the lateral walls of the oropharynx.
  • The formal superior boundary that separates the laryngopharynx from the oropharynx is at the level of the hyoid bone.
  • Unlike the nasopharynx and oropharynx, there are no tonsils in the laryngopharynx.

• Pharynx

  • The pharynx is part of the digestive and respiratory systems and consists of three main parts: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
  • The human pharynx is conventionally divided into three sections: the nasopharynx (epipharynx), the oropharynx (mesopharynx), and the laryngopharynx (hypopharynx).
  • The oropharynx or mesopharynx lies behind the oral cavity and extends from the uvula to the level of the hyoid bone.
  • The oropharynx is lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
  • Like the oropharynx above it, the laryngopharynx serves as a passageway for food and air and is lined with a stratified squamous epithelium.

• Digestion in the Mouth, Pharynx, and Esophagus

  • Due to the structure of the oropharynx in infants and the position of their larynx (high in the throat), infants can nurse and breathe at the same time.
  • Swallowing transports the chewed food into the esophagus, passing through the oropharynx and hypopharynx.
  • The oropharynx is that part of the pharynx behind the oral cavity.
  • Like the oropharynx above it, the hypopharynx (laryngopharynx) serves as a passageway for food and air and is lined with a stratified squamous epithelium.

• Tonsils

  • The palatine tonsils are located in the sides of the oropharynx.
  • For example, the adenoids and tubal tonsils are covered with the ciliated psuedostratified columnar epithelium of the nasopharynx, while the palatine and lingual tonsils are made up of the non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium of the oropharynx.

• Laryngitis and Cancer of the Larynx

  • The oral cavity and oropharynx are examined under direct vision.

• Skin and Mucosae (Surface Barriers)

  • In the esophagus and oropharynx, the epithelium is stratified, squamous and non-keratinising, to protect these areas from harsh or acidic foods.