Oropharynx

Oropharynx (Oropharynx): Anatomy and functions

The oropharynx, also known as the oropharynx, is the part of the pharynx that is located between the soft palate and the hyoid bone. It is one of the key elements of the human respiratory and digestive systems, performing important functions in both systems.

Anatomy of the oropharynx

The oropharynx has the shape of a funnel and is covered from the inside with many small folds of mucous membrane, which are called cortical folds. These folds help increase the surface area of ​​the oropharynx and improve its functionality. The oropharynx also contains many lymph nodes that help protect the body from infections.

Functions of the oropharynx

The oropharynx performs two main functions: respiratory and digestive.

Respiratory function

The oropharynx plays an important role in breathing, being part of the upper respiratory tract. The air we inhale passes through the mouth or nose and enters the oropharynx. It is then sent to the lower respiratory tract, to the lungs.

Digestive function

The oropharynx also plays an important role in the digestion process. The food we swallow passes through the oropharynx into the esophagus. The oropharynx has many muscle fibers that control the movement of food down the esophagus.

Importance of the oropharynx for health

The oropharynx plays an important role in protecting the body from infections, as it contains many lymph nodes. It also helps reduce the risk of developing certain diseases such as oropharynx cancer.

In addition, taking care of your oropharyngeal health can help prevent some common problems such as snoring and sleep apnea. Good oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth and tongue regularly, can help keep your oropharynx healthy.

Finally

The oropharynx is an important part of the pharynx, performing important functions in the respiratory and digestive systems. Taking care of the health of the oropharynx will help not only reduce the risk of developing diseases, but also improve the quality of life.

The oropharynx is the part of the pharynx located between the soft palate and the hyoid bone (which is located next to the upper part of the epiglottis).

The oropharynx is the transition zone between the oral cavity and pharynx. It begins just behind the soft palate and extends to the level of the hyoid bone. The oropharynx is limited in front by the soft palate, and in the back by the root of the tongue and the epiglottis.

Main functions of the oropharynx:

1. Passage of food and liquid from the mouth into the esophagus during swallowing. The muscles of the soft palate and the root of the tongue are involved in the act of swallowing, pushing food down the esophagus.

2. Participation in the process of breathing and speech by changing the position of the soft palate, tongue and walls of the pharynx.

3. Protection of the underlying respiratory tract from food and foreign particles.

Thus, the oropharynx plays an important role in vital processes such as swallowing, breathing and speech. Diseases of the oropharynx can lead to disruption of these functions.

The oropharynx, also known as the Oropharynx, is a small part of the human throat located between the soft palate (palate) and the hyoid bone, which is located near the top of the epiglottis. It is part of a general organ system called the digestive system and serves various functions such as speaking, eating and breathing.

The oropharynx consists of two main parts: the oropharyngeal tube and the oropharyngeal pouch. The oropharyngeal tube, or esophagus, is an extension of the pharynx and connects the larynx to the stomach. It is about 15-20 cm long and passes through the oropharynx. The oropharyngeal pouch is located at the top of the oropharynx and is made up of ligaments and muscles that help hold the oropharyngeal tube in place.

One of the main functions of the oropharynx is speech. It allows air to pass through the oropharynx and allows you to speak, sing and shout. To do this, the oropharynx has many muscles and ligaments that allow you to change the shape and position of the oropharynx, as well as ensure the correct pronunciation of sounds. In addition, the oropharynx plays an important role in breathing, as it is part of the system that allows breathing through the nose and mouth.

The oropharynx is also involved in food intake. It serves to swallow food and drinks, as well as to maintain them in the correct position before entering the esophagus. To achieve this, the oropharynx contains various muscles and ligaments that can change the shape of the oropharynx and facilitate proper swallowing of food.

Finally, the oropharynx is an important organ for the immune system. It contains lymphoid tissues, such as tonsils and adenoids, which are involved in protecting the body from infections. They can increase in size with infection and inflammation, which can lead to symptoms such as runny nose, cough and sore throat.

The oral cavity and oropharynx are not the same thing!

The oral cavity and pharynx have a common concept - the oral cavity, but the oral and pharyngeal parts are represented by different anatomical structures. Among many people, there are those who, through inattention, can confuse where the oral part is, which is located slightly in the upper part inside the mouth, located right behind the teeth, and where the throat is. In fact, the oral region is represented by the palate, which is the upper arch of the larynx, with a series of tonsils on either side of the palate and the soft and hard palates. The pharyngeal regions are the mouth, tongue, larynx, palate and root of the tongue. But the pharynx is the laryngopharynx, which together with the mouth forms the oral and nasal region.

General information: The part of the larynx located between the tonsils and the hyoid process (the jugular bone, the cartilage on the surface along which the esophagus runs). Locally there are several vermiform processes: palatine, lingual, pharyngeal, auditory, cervical. There is also a row of teeth. Belongs to the mucous membranes. Consists of soft tissues. Separated by interesophageal membrane