Questions and Answers
What is the term used to describe the human digestive tract?
What is the function of the teeth in the oral cavity?
What is the term used to describe the condition of having two sets of teeth during a lifetime?
What is the name of the muscular structure hanging down from the soft palate in the oral cavity?
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What is the term used to describe the condition of having different types of teeth with different functions?
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How many teeth are present in the deciduous set of teeth?
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What is the term used to describe the condition of teeth being embedded in sockets along the length of the jaws?
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What connects the oral cavity to the pharynx?
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Study Notes
Human Digestive System
- The human digestive system consists of a complete digestive tract (gastrointestinal tract or G.I.T.) and accessory glands.
- The digestive tract is a tube-like gut with two openings: mouth and anus.
- The system consists of mouth, oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.
- Associated accessory glands include salivary glands, liver, and pancreas.
Mouth
- The mouth is the anterior opening of the alimentary canal bounded by two fleshy lips (upper and lower).
- It is meant for ingestion of food.
Oral Cavity
- The mouth opens into the oral cavity, a wide space formed by the upper and lower jaws.
- The oral cavity has a muscular tongue on its floor.
- The roof is formed by a dome-shaped hard palate (anteriorly) and a soft palate (posteriorly).
- The oral cavity has a muscular uvula hanging down from the soft palate.
- Laterally, it has cheeks, and posteriorly, it is connected to the pharynx.
Teeth
- Teeth are embedded in sockets along the length of the lower and upper jaws (thecodont).
- Humans have two sets of teeth during their lifetime (diphydont).
- Initially, there are 20 deciduous or milk teeth, which are later replaced by 32 permanent teeth.
- Teeth are different in shape and size (heterodont), correlated with different functions and diet.
- The 32 permanent teeth include 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars.
- Incisors are for cutting and biting, canines are for tearing and pulling flesh, and premolars and molars are for grinding and crushing food.
Tongue
- The tongue is a muscular organ attached to the floor of the oral cavity through the hyoid bone.
- Its upper surface has numerous projections (papillae) containing nerve endings for the sense of taste.
- The under surface of the tongue has a fold of mucous membrane called the frenulum.
- The tongue helps in mastication, swallowing, taste, and speech.
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Description
Understand the components and functions of the human digestive tract, also known as the gastro-intestinal tract (G.I.T.), and its associated accessory glands. Learn about the different regions and their roles in holozoic nutrition.
