Human Anatomy: Oral Cavity and Pharynx

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the anus in the gastrointestinal tract?

Salivation

Absorption of nutrients

Waste excretion (correct)

Digestion of food

Which structure is primarily involved in the process of swallowing?

Pharynx (correct)

Anus

Stomach

Oesophagus

What is the main role of the small intestine in digestion?

Defense against infection

Formation of stool

Transit of food

Digestion and absorption (correct)

What is one of the main functions of the oesophagus?

Transit from pharynx to stomach Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the gastrointestinal tract is responsible for the reabsorption of water and electrolytes?

Large intestine Signup and view all the answers

Which structure assists in the physical breakdown of food through mastication?

Teeth Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tonsils in the pharynx?

Defense against infection Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the oral cavity assists in the process of sensing taste?

Tongue Signup and view all the answers

During digestion, which structure is responsible for the initial breaking down of food through physical and chemical means?

Stomach Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the formation of stool within the gastrointestinal tract?

Transit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the oral cavity in the gastrointestinal system?

To introduce food into the body and initiate digestion. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the gastrointestinal tract is responsible for transporting food from the throat to the stomach?

Oesophagus Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the gastrointestinal system does the majority of nutrient absorption occur?

Small intestine Signup and view all the answers

What role does the pharynx play in the digestive process?

It serves as a conduit for chewed food to enter the oesophagus. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the gastrointestinal tract is incorrect?

The digestive process occurs entirely in the stomach. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the large intestine in the gastrointestinal system?

To absorb water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter. Signup and view all the answers

How does the body ensure waste is excreted effectively?

By moving waste through the anal canal for elimination. Signup and view all the answers

Which accessory organ contributes significantly to the process of digestion in the gastrointestinal tract?

Pancreas Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of mucin in saliva?

To aid in swallowing and speech Signup and view all the answers

Which gland secretes saliva through the parotid duct near the upper second molar?

Parotid Gland Signup and view all the answers

What primarily stimulates salivation?

Thought, sight, or smell of food Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle's contraction helps to tense the cheek and align food between the teeth?

Buccinator Signup and view all the answers

What condition can lead to the swelling due to duct blockage?

Duct clogging Signup and view all the answers

What role does amylase play in saliva?

Begins carbohydrate digestion Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the pharynx is located posterior to the nasal cavity and superior to the soft palate?

Nasopharynx Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between the major and minor salivary glands?

Major glands produce more saliva than minor glands. Signup and view all the answers

What structure does the laryngeal inlet connect to?

Trachea Signup and view all the answers

During swallowing, what action reduces the chance of aspiration?

Raising the larynx towards the oesophagus Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the orbicularis oris muscle?

Preventing dribbling during chewing Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the intestine follows directly after the stomach?

Small Intestine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk associated with pulmonary aspiration?

Material entering the respiratory tract Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oral Cavity

Contains teeth which help with mastication
Contains tongue which aids in chewing, swallowing, and speech
Mucin (lubricant) prevents dryness in the mouth
Contains salivary glands, which produce saliva
- responsible for: lubricating, keeping the mucosa moist, aiding swallowing and speech, buffering plaque acids, antimicrobial

Pharynx

Performs the following actions:
- defense against infection (tonsils)
- swallowing
- airway protection
Consists of 3 parts:
- nasopharynx; posterior to nasal cavity, superior to soft palate
- oropharynx; posterior to oral cavity, between soft palate and epiglottis
- laryngopharynx; posterior to larynx, between epiglottis and esophagus

Salivary Glands

Major Glands
- Parotid (near ear), secretes saliva into the oral cavity via an opening near the upper 2nd molar
- Submandibular (under mandible), secretes saliva into the floor of the mouth
- Sublingual (under tongue), secretes saliva via several ducts located superiorly (toward the top)
Minor Glands
- ~1000 in the oral mucosa
- responsible for continuous secretion to keep the mouth moist

Stimulation of Salivation

Thought, sight, and smell of food, or food in the mouth
Painful oral conditions that increase salivation: teething, fractured teeth

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Description

Test your knowledge on the structures and functions of the oral cavity and pharynx. This quiz covers key components including teeth, tongue, salivary glands, and their roles in mastication, swallowing, and airway protection. Understand the significance of each part in human anatomy.