Anatomy of the Oral Cavity

Study Notes

The oral cavity is responsible for the intake of food and air.
It is essential for mastication (chewing), deglutition (swallowing), and speech.
Taste receptors within the oral cavity contribute to the sensation of taste.
The oral cavity also plays a role in facial expressions.

The tongue plays a vital role in sensation, articulation, swallowing, and chewing.
The tongue contains taste buds, allowing for the perception of taste.
The tongue has the capacity to deform and form different shapes, making it crucial for speech.
Intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles are responsible for swallowing.

There are two sets of dentition: primary and permanent.
Enamel, the hardest tissue in the body, is primarily comprised of minerals and is extremely hard, similar to mild steel.
Enamel provides a protective layer against the forces of mastication and is designed for maximum strength at the cusp tips, the areas that bear significant stress.
Dentin, the major component of the tooth, is comprised of minerals and showcases viscoelastic properties.
Dentin's flexibility and resistance to fracture are key to the proper functioning of the tooth, and it acts as a buffer for the brittle enamel.
Dentin contains nerves and is sensitive to stimuli, serving as a defense mechanism to safeguard tooth vitality.

The occlusal form of teeth varies to accommodate the diverse functions of the teeth.
The molar area, which experiences greater force, benefits from the lateral placement of masticatory muscles that enhance the force applied.

The pulp, a well-defined, solid dentin-enclosed space, is located within the tooth.
The pulp chamber is the portion of the pulp found in the crown, while the root canals house the root portion of the pulp.

The periodontal ligament is a specialized soft fibrous tissue that occupies the space surrounding the tooth.
The periodontal ligament allows for the distribution of force through its varying orientation and direction, accommodating both lodging and dislodging forces.

Salivary glands are responsible for producing saliva, a fluid that aids in lubrication and digestion.
Major and minor salivary glands produce either mucous or serous secretions.
Saliva forms a protective film on the teeth and oral mucosa, protecting and lubricating the oral cavity.

Keratinized oral mucosa, a layer of keratin covering underlying tissue, provides a protective barrier against friction.
Found in areas subject to high force and friction, like the hard palate and gingiva.

Gingival stippling, a series of small indentations on the gingiva, provides increased surface area and contributes to the gingiva's ability to withstand impact forces.

The temporomandibular joint is a complex joint that allows for movement in all directions: lateral, anterior-posterior, and rotational.
The temporomandibular joint is supported by various muscles and ligaments.