Anatomy of the Oral Cavity: Vestibule and Beyond

What forms the roof of the oral cavity?

What is the function of the frenulum of the tongue?

What opens into the vestibule opposite the upper second molar tooth?

What forms the floor of the oral cavity?

What is the passage that connects the oral cavity to the oropharynx?

What is the primary function of the oral cavity?

What is the function of the sulcus terminalis?

Which of the following papillae does not contain taste buds?

What is the function of the lingual tonsil?

Which nerve innervates the palatoglossus muscle?

What is the embryonic origin of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

What is the name of the blind pit located at the apex of the sulcus terminalis?

Oral Cavity Structure and Function

The roof of the oral cavity is formed by the hard palate and soft palate.
The frenulum of the tongue connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the oral cavity, aiding in tongue movement and positioning.
The parotid duct opens into the vestibule opposite the upper second molar tooth.
The floor of the oral cavity is formed by the muscles of the mylohyoid, geniohyoid, and other supporting structures.
The passage connecting the oral cavity to the oropharynx is called the oropharyngeal isthmus.
The primary function of the oral cavity includes the ingestion, initial digestion, and mixing of food with saliva.

Anatomical Features

The sulcus terminalis demarcates the posterior two-thirds of the tongue from the anterior one-third; it plays a role in taste and sensation.
Filiform papillae do not contain taste buds; they are primarily for texture sensing.
The lingual tonsil, located at the base of the tongue, functions as part of the immune system by protecting against pathogens.

Nerves and Embryonic Development

The palatoglossus muscle is innervated by the vagus nerve (CN X).
The anterior two-thirds of the tongue originate from the first branchial arch (embryonic development).
The blind pit located at the apex of the sulcus terminalis is known as the foramen cecum.

Test your knowledge of the oral cavity's vestibule, including its boundaries, structures, and functions. Explore the relationship between the vestibule and other parts of the oral cavity. Assess your understanding of the anatomy of the mouth!