The oropharynx is the middle part of the pharynx, which is the muscular tube that connects the mouth and the nasal cavity to the larynx and the esophagus.
– The oropharynx has four walls: anterior, posterior, and two laterals. The oropharynx has several structures and functions that are important for breathing, swallowing, and speaking.
– Here are some of the main parts of the oropharynx and their features:
🔅 THE ANTERIOR WALL
• The anterior wall of the oropharynx is formed by the base of the tongue, which is the back third of the tongue that is not visible in the mouth. The base of the tongue contains lingual tonsils, which are small masses of lymphoid tissue that help fight infections. The base of the tongue also helps to push food and liquid into the esophagus during swallowing.
🔅 THE POSTERIOR WALL
• The posterior wall of the oropharynx extends from the soft palate to the upper edge of the epiglottis, which is a flap of cartilage that covers the entrance to the larynx. The posterior wall contains pharyngeal constrictor muscles, which contract to narrow the oropharynx and propel food and liquid into the esophagus. The posterior wall also has a layer of elastic fibers that help to restore the shape of the oropharynx after swallowing.
🔅 THE LATERAL WALLS
• The lateral walls of the oropharynx are marked by two arches on each side: the palatoglossal arch and the palatopharyngeal arch. These arches are formed by muscles that connect the soft palate to the tongue and the pharynx. Between these arches are the palatine tonsils, which are large masses of lymphoid tissue that help fight infections.
– The lateral walls also have openings for the auditory tubes, which connect the middle ear to the nasopharynx and help to equalize pressure between them.
– The roof of the oropharynx is formed by the soft palate, which is the muscular part of the roof of the mouth. The soft palate separates the oropharynx from the nasopharynx and prevents food and liquid from entering the nasal cavity during swallowing. The soft palate also contains a projection called the uvula, which helps to seal off the nasopharynx and produce certain sounds.
🔅 THE EPITHELIUM
– The epithelium of the oropharynx is a type of mucous membrane that lines and protects the oropharynx from infection and injury. The epithelium is composed of stratified squamous cells, which are flat cells arranged in multiple layers. This type of epithelium can withstand friction and abrasion from food and liquid passing through it. The epithelium also secretes mucus, which lubricates and moistens the oropharynx.
The oropharynx can be affected by various infections that can cause inflammation, pain, fever, difficulty swallowing, and other symptoms.
– Some of these infections are:
1). Viral infections:- such as common cold, flu, mononucleosis, chickenpox, herpes simplex, etc. These infections are usually mild and self-limiting, but can sometimes lead to complications such as sinusitis or ear infection.
2). Bacterial infections:- such as strep throat, diphtheria, gonorrhea, etc. These infections can be more serious and require antibiotics to treat them. They can also cause complications such as peritonsillar abscess or rheumatic fever.
3). Fungal infections:- such as candidiasis (thrush), etc. These infections are more common in people with weakened immune systems or those who use inhaled corticosteroids. They can cause white patches or sores on the oropharynx.
4). Other infections:-, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, syphilis, etc. These infections can affect various parts of the body including the oropharynx. They can cause ulcers, lesions, bleeding, or swelling on the oropharynx.
