ABSTRACT
The oropharynx is that part of the throat which lies directly behind the mouth. It is limited above by the soft palate and below by the level of the tip of the epiglottis. It is bounded anteriorly by the open, oral cavity and by the posterior one-third of the tongue, which is classified with the oropharynx for descriptive purposes in dealing with malignant tumours. In its side walls, between the faucial pillars, lie the tonsils (palatine tonsils) of either side.
