Oropharynx

Definition

The oropharynx is a part of the pharynx located between the soft palate and the upper edge of the epiglottis. It serves as a passageway for both air and food, playing a crucial role in the respiratory and digestive systems.

Related terms

Pharynx:

The muscular tube that extends from the back of the nose down to the neck, serving as a pathway for air and food.

Epiglottis:

A leaf-shaped flap at the entrance of the larynx that closes when swallowing to prevent food from entering the windpipe.

Soft Palate:

A movable fold at the back of the mouth that closes off the nasal passages during swallowing to prevent food from entering them