Oral Cavity Anatomy and Functions

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.