Oropharynx

The oropharynx forms part of the pharynx, being the continuation of the oral cavity and nasopharynx superiorly, and the larynx and hypopharynx inferiorly.

Gross anatomy

Boundaries

• anteriorly: vertical plane defined by the circumvallate papillae, anterior tonsillar pillars, and border of hard and soft palate
• posteriorly: posterior pharyngeal wall
• superiorly: level of the soft palate free border
• inferiorly: level of the hyoid bone or tip of epiglottis
• laterally: tonsillar fossae and pillars

Contents

• base of tongue (i.e. posterior third), including lingual tonsils
• palatine tonsils, tonsillar fossae, and tonsillar pillars
• glossotonsillar sulci
• inferior surface of the soft palate 
• uvula
• vallecula
• posterior pharyngeal wall

For staging purposes, the lingual (anterior) surface of the epiglottis is excluded and instead classified as part of the larynx, and the nasopharyngeal (superior) surface of the soft palate is excluded and instead classified as part of the nasopharynx.

Arterial Supply

• ascending palatine branch of the facial artery
• ascending pharyngeal artery

Related pathology

• oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Siehe auch:

• Schlund