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AnatomyHead and neckPharynxOropharynx
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AnatomyHead and neckPharynxOropharynx

Oropharynx

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Muscles of the pharynx [13:28]
Overview of the muscles of the pharynx and related structures.
Oropharynx
Pars oralis pharyngis
1/3
Synonyms: Oral part of pharynx, Oropharynx

The pharynx is a muscular tube that functions to interconnect the main cavities of the head and neck including the oral and nasal cavities, larynx and esophagus. It is divided into three distinct parts: 

The oropharynx, or the oral part of the pharynx, spreads from the soft palate to the upper margin of the epiglottis and has four walls (anterior, two lateral and posterior). Its anterior wall is defined by the pharyngeal aspect of the tongue. When the base of the tongue is depressed (e.g., during clinical examination) the anterior wall is visible through the opening called the oropharyngeal isthmus. This opening is bordered by the palatoglossal arch. 

The lateral walls of the oropharynx are marked by the palatopharyngeal arches and palatine tonsils. The posterior wall of the oropharynx extends from the body of the second to the upper part of the third cervical vertebrae (C2-C3). 

Terminology English: Oropharynx
Latin: Pars oralis pharyngis
Latin synonym: Oropharynx
Location C2-C3; between nasopharynx and laryngopharynx
Function Transfers content (food, fluids, saliva, air) from the mouth.

Learn everything about the pharynx with the following study unit: 

Pharyngeal mucosa Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Frank H.Netter MD: Atlas of Human Anatomy, 5th Edition, Elsevier Saunders.
  • Chummy S.Sinnatamby: Last’s Anatomy Regional and Applied, 12th Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
  • Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell WMA. Gray’s anatomy for students. 4th ed. 2020.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

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