Oral Cavity Anatomy and Functions

Which part of the oral cavity extends from the lips to the oropharynx?

What is the primary function of the salivary glands?

Which of the following is NOT a function of the oral cavity?

How many teeth are present in the adult human mouth?

What is the term for the bacterial infection of the teeth leading to tooth decay and cavities?

What is the name of the muscular organ that manipulates food during mastication and aids in speech?

What is the name of the structure that separates the oral and nasal cavities?

Which muscle forms the floor of the oral cavity?

What is the name of the space between the teeth and lips/cheeks?

Where are the parotid glands located?

What is the term for the curves formed by the upper and lower teeth?

What is the term for the mucous membrane lining the oral cavity?

Boundaries and Divisions

The oral cavity is a mucous membrane-lined cavity that extends from the lips to the oropharynx.
It is divided into two parts:
1. Vestibule: the area between the lips and teeth, and the cheeks and gums.
2. Oral cavity proper: the area inside the teeth and gums.

Structures

Teeth: hard, calcified structures used for biting and chewing food.
- 32 teeth in the adult human mouth: 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars.
Gums (gingivae): mucous membranes that cover the jawbones and surround the teeth.
Tongue: a mobile, muscular organ that manipulates food during mastication and aids in speech.
Palate: the roof of the oral cavity, divided into the hard palate and soft palate.
Salivary glands: produce saliva that moistens and lubricates food, and aids in digestion.
- 3 pairs of salivary glands: parotid, submandibular, and sublingual.

Functions

Mastication: the mechanical breakdown of food into smaller particles.
Forming food bolus: the mixing of food with saliva to form a bolus that can be swallowed.
Speech: the oral cavity plays a crucial role in speech, with the tongue, lips, and palate working together to form words and sounds.
Taste: the oral cavity contains taste buds that detect sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami flavors.

Clinical Correlations

Dental caries: bacterial infection of the teeth, leading to tooth decay and cavities.
Gingivitis: inflammation of the gums, which can lead to periodontitis if left untreated.
Oral cancer: malignant growths that can occur in the oral cavity, often associated with tobacco use and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Learn about the different structures and functions of the oral cavity, including the boundaries and divisions, teeth, gums, tongue, and salivary glands. Understand the importance of mastication, forming food bolus, speech, and taste. Also, explore clinical correlations such as dental caries, gingivitis, and oral cancer.