Structure/Morphology
The mucosa of the oropharynx coats the inner pharyngeal walls, from the inferior margin of the soft palate to the superior margin of the epiglottis of the larynx.
Anteriorly the junction between the oral cavity and the oropharynx is called the oropharyngeal isthmus. The lateral walls of this anterior portion of the oropharynx contain the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal folds. The midline has an inferior projection of the soft palate, the uvula.
Related parts of the anatomy
Key Features/Anatomical Relations
The mucosa of the oropharynx is continuous superiorly with the mucosa of the nasopharynx and inferiorly with the mucosa of the laryngopharynx. Anteriorly, it blends with the mucosa of the oral cavity.
Function
The mucosa of the oropharynx acts as a barrier against the external environment, such as preventing injury and microbial invasion.
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Oropharynx
The oropharynx is anatomically defined as the region beginning at the level of the soft palate and extending inferiorly to the tip of the epiglottis.
