Where Is the Oropharynx Located?

The oropharynx is a term used to describe collectively the organs of the mouth and upper throat.

The oropharynx includes the back third of the tongue, the soft palate, the side and back walls of the throat, and the tonsils.

Where Is the Oropharynx Located?

The oropharynx is located at the back of the mouth behind the oral cavity and just below the nasal cavity.

What Is the Function of the Oropharynx? 

The functions of the oropharynx include: 

• Digestive: the muscles in the oropharynx help push through chewed and swallowed food and drink into the esophagus on its way to the stomach
• Respiratory: inhaled air is warmed and moistened before it passes through en route to the lungs
  • The epiglottis at the end of the oropharynx helps stop air from entering the digestive system
• Speech: the muscles and other parts of the oropharynx help produce the sounds that make up speech