The oropharyngeal isthmus (fauces) is the opening between the mouth and the oropharynx. It is bounded by the soft palate above, the back of the tongue below and the palatoglossal arches at the sides.
| Location | Junction of the oral cavity and oropharynx |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Glossopharyngeal nerve; Lesser palatine nerves; Vagus nerve (muscles) |
| Blood Supply | Lesser palatine arteries; Dorsal lingual arteries; Ascending palatine artery |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Closes to seal the mouth from the throat while chewing and opens to let the food bolus pass during swallowing.
Touching this area triggers the gag reflex through the glossopharyngeal nerve. Swelling here from tonsillitis, allergy or angioedema can make swallowing and breathing difficult.
Rapid swelling of the soft palate and nearby tissue that may obstruct the airway.
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