oropharynx

[ awr-oh-far-ingks, ohr- ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural o·ro·pha·ryn·ges [awr-oh-f, uh, -, rin, -jeez, ohr-], o·ro·phar·ynx·es.

1. the part of the pharynx between the soft palate and the upper edge of the epiglottis.
2. the pharynx as distinguished from the nasopharynx and laryngeal pharynx.

Other Words From

• o·ro·pha·ryn·ge·al [awr-oh-f, uh, -, rin, -jee-, uh, l, -far-in-, jee, -, uh, l, ohr-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oropharynx¹

First recorded in 1885–90; oro- ² + pharynx

Example Sentences

The cancer forms in the tissues of the oropharynx, or the middle part of the throat behind the mouth, states the National Cancer Institute.

From Fox News

One of those types, HPV-16, is identified in more than half of cancers in the oropharynx, according to the National Cancer Institute.

From Washington Post

Cancers in the back of the throat, most commonly in the base of the tongue and tonsils, are located in an area known as the "oropharynx."

From US News

Luckily, you don't have to find your oropharynx or epiglottis to compare your tongue with his.

From BBC

Throat cancer generally refers to malignancies of the oropharynx.

From Forbes