What is oropharyngeal lymph tissue?

Oropharyngeal lymph tissue is the tissue within the oropharynx. The oropharynx is one of three areas in the pharynx that opens to the oral cavity and hypopharynx.

The pharynx is shared by the respiratory system and the digestive tract. The oropharynx, nasopharynx and hypopharynx are the three areas of the pharynx. The oropharynx is lined with tissue known as oropharyngeal lymph tissue. Also within the oropharyngeal tissue is lymphoid tissue known as the palatine tonsils. This area can become infected with bacteria that leads to tonsillitis. Below the palatine tonsils in the oropharyngeal tissue is lymphoid tissue known as the adenoids and pharyngeal tonsils, which can also become infected with bacteria.