soft palate, naso and oropharynx (1)

Nasopharynx

The upper part of the pharynx located behind the nose.

Pharyngotympanic tube

Also known as the Eustachian tube, it connects the nasopharynx with the middle ear cavity.

Adenoiditis

Swelling and inflammation of adenoid tissue, which can block the nasal airway.

Oropharynx

The part of the pharynx located behind the oral cavity, extending from the soft palate to the epiglottis.

Soft Palate

The soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth that separates the mouth from the nasopharynx.

Levator veli palatini

A muscle that elevates the soft palate during swallowing and speaking.

Tensor veli palatini

A muscle that tenses the soft palate and opens the pharyngotympanic tube.

Waldeyer’s ring

A ring of lymphoid tissue that includes the palatine tonsils, pharyngeal tonsil, and lingual tonsil.

Pharyngeal tonsil

Also known as adenoids, it is located in the nasopharynx and contributes to the immune response.

Velopharyngeal insufficiency

A condition where the soft palate fails to close properly during speech, leading to nasal air leakage.