Final answer:
The lateral surface of the oropharynx contains the palatine and lingual tonsils, which are parts of the immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lateral surface of the oropharynx is a key area within the throat that serves as a passageway for both air and food. The oropharynx is flanked by the nasopharynx at its superior end and the oral cavity anteriorly. The fauces is the opening of the oropharynx, connecting it with the oral cavity.
Histologically, the nasopharynx's epithelium transitions into a stratified squamous epithelium as it moves into the oropharynx. This area houses important lymphoid tissues including the palatine and lingual tonsils, which are integral for immune defense, trapping, and destroying pathogens.
In terms of anatomy, the palatine tonsil is positioned laterally in the oropharynx near the fauces, and the lingual tonsil is located at the base of the tongue. These lymphoid tissues contribute to the oropharynx's role in the body's immune response.