Digestive System: Oral Cavity Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the teeth in the mouth?

Produce saliva

Maintain oral hygiene

Taste food

Mastication (correct)

The soft palate is located at the front of the cavity of the mouth.

False

What is the space between the teeth and the cheeks called?

Oral vestibule

The __________ is a small, pendulous process at the center of the soft palate.

uvula Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the oral cavity is primarily formed by the tongue?

Oral cavity Signup and view all the answers

Match the following structures with their descriptions:

Frenulum of the tongue = A fold of mucous membrane that restricts tongue movement Sublingual fold = A crestlike ridge in the mucous membrane Palatine tonsil = Located between the anterior and posterior arches Hard palate = Forms the anterior roof of the mouth Signup and view all the answers

The anterior arches of the palate project backward towards the pharynx.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of saliva during mastication?

To mix with food and aid in swallowing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mouth Overview

The mouth, or oral cavity, is the initial segment of the digestive system.
Houses dental arches and receives saliva from salivary glands.

Parts of the Cavity

Oral vestibule: Space between teeth and cheeks.
Oral cavity (mouth proper): Area within dental arches, primarily formed by the tongue's floor, connects to the pharynx via the oropharynx.

Roof of the Cavity

Hard palate: The bony anterior portion of the mouth's roof.
Soft palate: The fleshy, posterior part of the roof.

Uvula and Arches

Uvula: Small, pendulous structure at the soft palate's inferior border.
Anterior arches: Project forward towards the sides of the tongue's base.
Posterior arches: Extend backward to blend with pharynx walls.
Palatine tonsil: Located in the triangular space between anterior and posterior arches.

Tongue Anatomy

Positioned in the oral cavity's floor, base directed posteriorly, apex directed anteriorly.
Freely movable, made of numerous muscles featuring a mucous membrane that varies regionally.

Frenulum and Sublingual Fold

Frenulum of the tongue: A vertical mucous membrane band that restricts posterior movement of the tongue’s front section.
Sublingual fold: A crest-like ridge of elevated mucous membrane beneath the tongue.

Mastication Process

Teeth are essential for mastication, involving the chewing and grinding of food into smaller pieces.
During mastication, food is cut, ground, and torn by teeth, mixed with saliva, then swallowed for digestion.
Saliva plays a role in softening food, keeping the mouth moist, and supplying digestive enzymes.

Description

Explore the structure and function of the oral cavity in the digestive system. This quiz covers the parts of the mouth, including the oral vestibule and the oral cavity itself, as well as their roles in digestion and salivation. Test your knowledge about the anatomy of the mouth!