Torus tubarius

The torus tubarius is a rounded mucosal elevation located on the lateral wall of the nasopharynx surrounding the pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube. It is produced by the underlying medial end of the cartilaginous part of the pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube.

From the torus tubarius descend two mucosal folds:

• the salpingopalatine fold anteriorly, containing the salpingopalatinus muscle, and

• the salpingopharyngeal fold posteriorly, overlying the salpingopharyngeus muscle.

Posterior to the torus tubarius lies a deep recess known as the pharyngeal recess.

Functionally, the torus tubarius marks the nasopharyngeal opening of the auditory tube, which equalises middle ear pressure and facilitates drainage of middle ear secretions.