Anatomy of the Floor of the Mouth

Anatomy of the Floor of the Mouth

• Location: Area located beneath the tongue and above the oral cavity.
• Boundaries:
  • Anterior: Lingual frenulum (small fold of tissue in the middle).
  • Lateral: Submandibular glands and muscles.
  • Posterior: Passes into the oropharynx.

Structural Components

• Mucosa: Lined with a thin layer of non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

• Muscular Layer:

  • Consists of the mylohyoid muscle and geniohyoid muscle.
  • Supports the floor of the mouth.

• Glands:

  • Sublingual glands: Located beneath the tongue, secreting saliva.
  • Submandibular glands: Open into the oral cavity via the submandibular ducts.

Vascular Supply

• Arteries:
  • Lingual artery: Main blood supply.
• Veins:
  • Corresponding with the arteries, draining into the internal jugular vein.

Innervation

• Nerve Supply:
  • Mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3): Sensory.
  • Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII): Motor function to the muscles of the tongue.
  • Chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve (CN VII): Taste sensation and autonomic supply to salivary glands.

Functions

• Oral Functions:
  • Facilitates speech and swallowing.
  • Aids in food manipulation and movement towards the throat.
• Salivary Function:
  • Moisten food, aiding in digestion.
  • Enzymatic action begins in the mouth (amylase).

Clinical Considerations

• Common Issues:
  • Floor of the mouth lesions (cysts, tumors, infections).
  • Inflammation or swelling (sialadenitis or salivary stones).
• Oral Cancer: Early detection is critical; symptoms may include unhealed sores, lumps, or persistent pain.

Examination

• Clinical Examination:
  • Inspection for lesions, mobility, and swelling.
  • Palpation for tenderness or masses.

By understanding the structure, function, and clinical significance of the floor of the mouth, practitioners can effectively diagnose and treat associated conditions.

Anatomy of the Floor of the Mouth

• Located beneath the tongue and above the oral cavity
• Boundaries:
  • Anterior: Lingual frenulum
  • Lateral: Submandibular glands and muscles
  • Posterior: Passes into the oropharynx

Structural Components

• Lined with a thin layer of non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
• Muscles:
  • Mylohyoid muscle
  • Geniohyoid muscle
• Glands:
  • Sublingual glands: Secrete saliva
  • Submandibular glands: Open into the oral cavity via the submandibular ducts

Vascular Supply

• Arteries:
  • Lingual artery: Main blood supply
• Veins:
  • Drain into the internal jugular vein

Innervation

• Nerve Supply:
  • Mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3): Sensory
  • Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII): Motor function to the muscles of the tongue
  • Chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve (CN VII): Taste sensation and autonomic supply to salivary glands

Functions

• Oral Functions:
  • Facilitates speech and swallowing
  • Aids in food manipulation and movement towards the throat
• Salivary Function:
  • Moisten food, aiding in digestion
  • Enzymatic action begins in the mouth (amylase)

Clinical Considerations

• Common Issues:
  • Floor of the mouth lesions (cysts, tumors, infections)
  • Inflammation or swelling (sialadenitis or salivary stones)
  • Oral Cancer: Early detection is critical

Examination

• Clinical Examination:
  • Inspection for lesions, mobility, and swelling
  • Palpation for tenderness or masses

This quiz explores the anatomy of the floor of the mouth, detailing its location, structural components, vascular supply, and innervation. Test your knowledge on the various muscles, glands, and nerves associated with this important area beneath the tongue.