The Oropharynx

• The oropharynx extends between the soft palate and the base of the tongue at the level of the hyoid bone
• The epithelium changes from a pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium to a nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium at the boundary between the nasopharynx and oropharynx
• The posterior margin of the soft palate supports the gangling uvula and two pairs of muscular pharyngeal arches, the posterior arch and anterior arch