oropharynx
/ˌɔroʊˈfɛrɪŋks/
noun
- The middle part of the throat, located behind the mouth, that connects the oral cavity to the larynx and esophagus.
- Infections in the oropharynx can cause a sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
- Food passes from the mouth into the oropharynx during the first stage of swallowing.
- The oropharynx plays a key role in both breathing and swallowing.