Oral Anatomy Quiz

Oral Mucosa

• Stratified squamous epithelium with varying thickness and keratinization
• Underlying connective tissue: lamina propria and submucosa
• Functions:
  • Protection against mechanical and chemical stress
  • Secretion of mucus and enzymes
  • Aids in food processing and speech

Dental Pulp

• Soft, vascular tissue within the tooth
• Composed of:
  • Odontoblasts (dentin-forming cells)
  • Fibroblasts
  • Immune cells
  • Nerve fibers
  • Blood vessels
• Functions:
  • Sensation and pain perception
  • Nutrient supply and waste removal
  • Formation of dentin

Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

• Thyroid Gland
  • Endocrine gland in the neck
  • Composed of follicles and parafollicular cells
  • Produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)
  • Regulates metabolism and growth
• Parathyroid Glands
  • Four small, pea-sized glands embedded in the thyroid gland
  • Produce parathyroid hormone (PTH)
  • Regulates calcium levels in the blood

Larynx and Pharynx

• Larynx
  • Voice box containing the vocal cords
  • Composed of cartilage, muscle, and connective tissue
  • Functions:
    • Voice production
    • Airway protection
• Pharynx
  • Muscular tube connecting the nasal and oral cavities to the esophagus
  • Composed of mucous membrane, skeletal muscle, and connective tissue
  • Functions:
    • Swallowing and speech
    • Airway passage

Salivary Glands

• Major Salivary Glands
  • Parotid gland
  • Submandibular gland
  • Sublingual gland
• Minor Salivary Glands
  • Distributed throughout the oral mucosa
• Functions:
  • Production of saliva for:
    • Digestion
    • Lubrication
    • pH regulation
    • Antimicrobial activity

Enamel

• Hard, outermost layer of the tooth
• Composed of highly mineralized, crystalline structures
• Functions:
  • Protection against decay and wear
  • Aids in mastication and food processing

Periodontium

• Tissues supporting the tooth
• Composed of:
  • Gingiva (gum)
  • Periodontal ligament (PDL)
  • Cementum
  • Alveolar bone
• Functions:
  • Tooth anchorage and support
  • Protection against infection and inflammation

Oral Mucosa

• Composed of stratified squamous epithelium with varying thickness and keratinization
• Underlying connective tissue includes lamina propria and submucosa
• Provides protection against mechanical and chemical stress
• Secretes mucus and enzymes, aiding in food processing and speech

Dental Pulp

• Soft, vascular tissue within the tooth
• Composed of odontoblasts, fibroblasts, immune cells, nerve fibers, and blood vessels
• Responsible for sensation and pain perception
• Supplies nutrients and removes waste, forming dentin in the process

Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

• Thyroid Gland
  • Located in the neck, composed of follicles and parafollicular cells
  • Produces thyroid hormones T3 and T4, regulating metabolism and growth
• Parathyroid Glands
  • Four small glands embedded in the thyroid gland
  • Produce parathyroid hormone PTH, regulating calcium levels in the blood

Larynx and Pharynx

• Larynx
  • Voice box containing vocal cords, composed of cartilage, muscle, and connective tissue
  • Produces voice and protects the airway
• Pharynx
  • Muscular tube connecting nasal and oral cavities to the esophagus
  • Composed of mucous membrane, skeletal muscle, and connective tissue
  • Facilitates swallowing and speech, and serves as an airway passage

Salivary Glands

• Major Salivary Glands
  • Parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands
• Minor Salivary Glands
  • Distributed throughout the oral mucosa
• Produce saliva for digestion, lubrication, pH regulation, and antimicrobial activity

Enamel

• Hard, outermost layer of the tooth
• Composed of highly mineralized, crystalline structures
• Protects against tooth decay and wear, and aids in mastication and food processing

Periodontium

• Tissues supporting the tooth, including gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone
• Provides tooth anchorage and support, protecting against infection and inflammation