Oral Cavity Anatomy Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Mouth Structures

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Questions and Answers

What is the name of the transitional zone of reddish tissue between the skin of the face and the mucosa of the oral cavity?

Zygomaticoalveolar crest

Vermilion zone (correct)

Philtrum

Labial frenum

What is the indentation at the midline of the upper lip called?

Labial frenum

Vestibule

Buccinator muscle

Philtrum (correct)

What muscle forms a great extent of the cheek?

Mandibular labial frenum

Buccinator muscle (correct)

Maxillary labial frenum

Zygomaticoalveolar crest

Where does the buccinator muscle extend to?

The corners of the mouth Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the ridge of bone that can be felt in the upper posterior vestibular space?

Zygomaticoalveolar crest Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fold of connective tissue found at the midline in both the upper and lower lips?

Labial frenum Signup and view all the answers

Which labial frenum is usually more pronounced?

The upper (maxillary) frenum Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if the attachment of the upper (maxillary) frenum extends to the crest of the alveolar ridge?

The erupting central incisors may not penetrate it and be pushed slightly aside, creating a diastema Signup and view all the answers

What can the mandibular labial frenum contribute to?

Gingival recession Signup and view all the answers

What is the space between the erupted central incisors called?

Diastema Signup and view all the answers

What is the posterior boundary of the oral cavity?

The palatine tonsils Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the oral cavity?

Larynx Signup and view all the answers

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

Vestibule Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is NOT shared by the digestive and respiratory systems?

Nasal cavity Signup and view all the answers

Where are the palatine tonsils located?

Between the tonsillar pillars Signup and view all the answers

What is the pathway shared by the digestive and respiratory systems called?

Pharynx Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is NOT part of the respiratory system?

Esophagus Signup and view all the answers

What is the area surrounded by the teeth or alveolar ridges called?

Oral cavity proper Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures separates the oral cavity from the oral pharynx?

Palatine tonsils Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the digestive system follows immediately after the pharynx?

Esophagus Signup and view all the answers

Which space in the oral cavity is a potential space between the lips or cheeks and the teeth?

Vestibule Signup and view all the answers

What is the posterior end of the oral cavity that forms a common pathway with the respiratory system called?

Oral pharynx Signup and view all the answers

Which structure separates the oral cavity from the oral pharynx?

Tonsillar pillars Signup and view all the answers

What region of the oral cavity extends from the floor of the mouth upward to the hard and soft palates?

Oral cavity proper Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the respiratory system is NOT shared with the digestive tract?

Nasal cavity Signup and view all the answers

In which area can the tonsils be found in relation to the oral cavity?

On the sides of the throat Signup and view all the answers

What lies posterior to the tonsillar pillars in the oral cavity?

Laryngeal pharynx Signup and view all the answers

'Oral cavity proper' in dentistry refers to an area from where to where?

Alveolar ridges to palatine tonsils Signup and view all the answers

Which space in the oral cavity is surrounded by teeth or alveolar ridges back to an area near palatine tonsils?

Oral pharynx Signup and view all the answers

What begins at nasal cavity and includes nasal pharynx, laryngeal pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs?

Respiratory system Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the moist tissue that lies between the dry skin of the face and the oral cavity?

Vermilion zone Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is covered with skin on the outside and moist mucous membrane on the inside in the cheek area?

Buccinator muscle Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to gingival recession in the area by pulling downward on the tissue when the lip is tensed?

Maxillary frenum Signup and view all the answers

Where can a diastema occur if the erupting central incisors cannot penetrate the firm band of tissue?

Between the central incisors Signup and view all the answers

What is found at the midline in both upper and lower lips, containing only connective tissue?

Labial frenum Signup and view all the answers

Which structure marks the posterior extent of the vestibule as it passes backward from a lateral to a medial position?

Zygomaticoalveolar crest Signup and view all the answers

What is often referred to as the beginning of the anterior part of the zygomatic arch when felt in the upper posterior vestibular space?

Zygomatic arch Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the hard palate contains the most connective tissue with fat cells?

The anterolateral part Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary landmark at the midline junction of the hard and soft palates?

The posterior nasal spine of the palatine bone Signup and view all the answers

What are the small depressions located on each side of the posterior nasal spine called?

Fovea palatinae Signup and view all the answers

What can occur in the midline of the hard palate that may cause problems with upper denture construction?

Excess bone growth (torus palatinus) Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape and size of the hard palate described as varying?

Varying from wide to narrow, and from high arching to flat Signup and view all the answers

What tissue is found in the soft palate that serves to keep the epithelium moist?

Minor salivary glands Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the hard palate has the thinnest connective tissue?

The midline Signup and view all the answers

What is the junction between the hard and soft palates described as forming?

A double curving line Signup and view all the answers

What is the tissue beneath the palatal epithelium described as varying?

In thickness, composition, and region Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall texture of the hard palate described as?

Firm and bony Signup and view all the answers

What muscle is responsible for pulling the soft palate up and back until it contacts the posterior throat wall during speech and swallowing?

Levator veli palatini muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fold of tissue extending from the soft palate downward into the lateral pharyngeal wall?

Posterior pillar Signup and view all the answers

Where can the openings of the multiple ducts of the sublingual salivary gland be found?

Along the anterior and middle parts of the sublingual fold Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the small elevation on each side at the base of the lingual frenum?

Sublingual caruncle Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the space between the left and right tonsils and their pillars, known as the posterior extent of the oral cavity?

Fauces Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the dense pad of tissue immediately posterior to the last tooth in the mandible?

Retromolar pad Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fold of tissue extending from an area near the tip of the tongue down to the floor of the mouth?

Lingual frenum Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fold of tissue extending along the floor of the mouth on either side from the sublingual caruncle?

Sublingual fold Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the bony swellings that can occur on the lingual surface of the mandible at the canine area, similar to the palatal tori?

Mandibular tori Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the transitional zone of reddish tissue between the skin of the face and the mucosa of the oral cavity?

Vermilion border Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of incisors in humans?

Piercing and cutting food Signup and view all the answers

How do canines function to protect the jaw joint during side jaw movements?

By providing lateral stress-bearing support Signup and view all the answers

What makes it possible for a canine tooth to hold its place in the corner of the mouth?

Triangular roots Signup and view all the answers

How do premolars differ from incisors and canines functionally?

They help grind food Signup and view all the answers

Why do molars interlock with each other in the mouth?

To chew or grind up food Signup and view all the answers

Which type of teeth have the highest root to crown ratio among all teeth?

Canines Signup and view all the answers

How many cusps do premolars usually have?

Four or more Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the fovea palatinae?

To mark the posterior nasal spine as a landmark for denture construction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern with the presence of a torus palatinus?

It can impair denture retention and adaptation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tissues is primarily responsible for keeping the soft palate moist?

Minor salivary glands Signup and view all the answers

What is the description of the connective tissue in the anterolateral part of the hard palate?

Thick and containing fat cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the texture of the hard palate described as?

Hard and bony Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as the primary landmark at the midline of the junction between the hard and soft palates?

Posterior nasal spine Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the line that demarcates the crown and root of a tooth?

Cementoenamel junction Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the part of the tooth that is seen above the gingiva?

Clinical crown Signup and view all the answers

Which area of a tooth is most occlusal or incisal in location?

Coronal area Signup and view all the answers

What is the portion of bone that supports the teeth called?

Alveolar process Signup and view all the answers

Which type of roots may have bifurcation or trifurcation, dividing into two or three segments?

Multirooted roots Signup and view all the answers

What principle explains that a longer tooth root offers more resistance to displacement?

Lever Principle Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of cementum on the tooth root?

To anchor the tooth to the alveolar bone Signup and view all the answers

What happens when secondary dentin completely fills the pulp chamber?

The tooth becomes nonvital with no nerve or vascular tissue remaining Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the hardest natural material in the human body?

Enamel Signup and view all the answers

How does the chemical composition of enamel differ from that of dentin?

Enamel is 96% inorganic and 4% organic, while dentin is 70% inorganic and 30% organic Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the self-cleaning ability of enamel?

To make the tooth more resistant to bacteria and decay Signup and view all the answers

How does tertiary dentin differ from secondary dentin?

Tertiary dentin is formed in response to caries or trauma, while secondary dentin is formed throughout the pulp chamber after tooth eruption Signup and view all the answers

What muscle is primarily responsible for moving the soft palate into various positions during speech and swallowing?

Levator veli palatini muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which structure separates the oral pharynx from the nasal pharynx during speech and swallowing?

Uvula Signup and view all the answers

In dentistry, what is the name for the fold of tissue extending from the soft palate downward into the lateral pharyngeal wall?

Posterior pillar Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the retromolar pad located distal to the mandibular second molar?

Protecting the oral cavity Signup and view all the answers

Where can enlargements of lymphoid tissue, collectively known as the lingual tonsils, be found?

Base of the tongue Signup and view all the answers

What elevation on each side at the base of the lingual frenum serves as the opening for the ducts of the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands?

Sublingual caruncle Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about canine teeth is true?

Canine roots are shaped triangularly in cross-section, allowing them to resist displacement forces. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of premolars?

To help grind food. Signup and view all the answers

How do molars function?

They interlock and grind food with their multiple cusps. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about incisors is correct?

Incisors have a shovel-like lingual surface to aid in guiding food into the mouth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the canines during side jaw movements?

They are often the only teeth touching, protecting the jaw joint. Signup and view all the answers

How do premolars differ from incisors and canines functionally?

Premolars have at least two cusps for grinding food. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate composition of cementum?

45% to 50% inorganic and 50% to 55% organic Signup and view all the answers

How does the thickness of cementum vary along the tooth root?

It is thickest at the apex and decreases towards the cervical line Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the union of cementum and dentin?

Dentinocemental junction Signup and view all the answers

How many surfaces do anterior teeth typically have?

4 surfaces and a ridge Signup and view all the answers

Which surface of a tooth faces the tongue?

Lingual surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the surface of a tooth that faces the cheek or lip?

Buccal surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the surface of a tooth that faces the neighboring tooth in the same arch?

Proximal surface Signup and view all the answers

Which surface of a tooth is closest to the midline of the face?

Mesial proximal surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the biting surface of posterior teeth?

Occlusal surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the biting surface of anterior teeth?

Incisal surface (ridge) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary landmark at the midline junction of the hard and soft palates?

The posterior nasal spine of the palatine bone Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the excess bone growth that can occur in the midline of the hard palate?

Torus palatinus Signup and view all the answers

What is the description of the connective tissue in the anterolateral part of the hard palate?

Thick and contains fat cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the tissue beneath the palatal epithelium described as?

Varying from region to region Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the small depressions located on each side of the posterior nasal spine?

Fovea palatinae Signup and view all the answers

What tissue is found in the soft palate that serves to keep the epithelium moist?

Minor salivary glands Signup and view all the answers

What muscle is responsible for moving the soft palate into different positions during speech and swallowing?

Levator veli palatini muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is referred to as the common pathway with the respiratory system at the posterior end of the oral cavity?

Fauces Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the sublingual caruncle located at the base of the lingual frenum?

Production of saliva Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the fold of tissue extending from the soft palate downward into the lateral pharyngeal wall?

Palatopharyngeal arch Signup and view all the answers

Where can multiple duct openings of the sublingual salivary gland be found?

Sublingual fold Signup and view all the answers

Which elevation of tissue is located immediately posterior to the last tooth in the mandible?

Retromolar pad Signup and view all the answers

Which tissue contains the largest portion of the crown and root of a tooth?

Dentin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of tertiary dentin?

To be laid down in response to caries or trauma Signup and view all the answers

What is the chemical composition of enamel?

96% inorganic, 4% organic matter and water Signup and view all the answers

Which material is harder than enamel but can still erode with severe abrasion?

Dentin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cementum on a tooth root?

To attach the tooth to the alveolar bone Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for enamel being resistant to bacteria, mild acids, and tooth decay?

Its dense mineralization and smooth surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component that makes cementum a less durable tissue compared to dentin or enamel?

The high organic content Signup and view all the answers

How does the thickness of cementum vary along the tooth root?

It increases slightly in thickness towards the apex Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the union between cementum and dentin?

Dentinocemental junction Signup and view all the answers

How many surfaces do posterior teeth typically have?

5 surfaces including the 4 sides and the top Signup and view all the answers

Which tooth surface is closest to the midline of the face?

Mesial proximal Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the triangular-shaped spaces between teeth that are normally filled with gingival tissue?

Interproximal spaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the condition where two adjacent teeth do not touch tightly at their contact areas?

Open contact Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern with a large diastema between teeth?

It allows for better oral hygiene Signup and view all the answers

What type of mucosa is found in the gingiva and hard palate that is well-designed to withstand the trauma of grinding food?

Masticatory mucosa Signup and view all the answers

How are the surfaces of a tooth divided into thirds?

Facial, middle, and lingual Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cementum on the tooth root?

To provide a smooth surface for the periodontal ligaments to attach Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the part of the tooth that is seen above the gingiva?

Clinical crown Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the line that demarcates the crown and root of a tooth?

Cementoenamel junction Signup and view all the answers

How does the thickness of cementum vary along the tooth root?

It is thinner at the cervical region and thicker towards the apex Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern with the presence of a torus palatinus?

It can cause difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene Signup and view all the answers

How do premolars differ from incisors and canines functionally?

They are primarily used for crushing and grinding food Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of incisors in humans?

To cut through something Signup and view all the answers

What allows the canine teeth to hold their place in the corner of the mouth?

The triangular root shape that resists displacement forces Signup and view all the answers

How do the canines function to protect the jaw joint during side-to-side jaw movements?

The canines' greater length and thickness allows them to bear the lateral stresses of side-to-side jaw movements Signup and view all the answers

How do premolars differ from incisors and canines in function?

Premolars help grind and crush food, unlike incisors and canines Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 12 molars in the human dentition?

To chew and grind up food Signup and view all the answers

How do maxillary and mandibular molars differ in terms of their characteristics?

They differ greatly in shape, size, number of cusps, and number of roots Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the mucus-secreting minor salivary glands in the soft palate?

Keeping the epithelium moist Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the fovea palatinae in the construction of an upper denture?

Assisting in proper denture retention Signup and view all the answers

What condition is indicated by excess bone growth in the midline of the hard palate?

Torus palatinus Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the palate has connective tissue that contains fat cells and is thicker than at the midline?

Anterolateral part of the hard palate Signup and view all the answers

What is generally required when the presence of a torus palatinus poses a problem for upper denture construction?

Surgical removal of bone growth Signup and view all the answers

Where can excess bone growth in the midline of the hard palate cause issues primarily?

Impaired denture adaptation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the anatomic crown and the clinical crown of a tooth?

The anatomic crown includes the part of the tooth seen above the gum line, while the clinical crown includes the entire crown of the tooth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of enamel in a tooth?

To cover the outer surface of the anatomic crown. Signup and view all the answers

Which area of a tooth is often referred to as the cervix of the tooth?

Cervical area Signup and view all the answers

What does a longer tooth root provide for a tooth according to the lever principle?

More resistance to displacement Signup and view all the answers

Where are teeth anchored in the upper jaw known as maxillary teeth?

Maxilla Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of cementum on a tooth root?

To anchor the tooth in the bone Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cementum on the tooth root?

To attach the tooth to the underlying bone Signup and view all the answers

How does the thickness of cementum vary along the tooth root?

It is thickest at the apex and thins towards the cervical line Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the triangular-shaped spaces between teeth that are normally filled with gingival tissue?

Interproximal spaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the condition where two adjacent teeth do not touch tightly at their contact areas?

Open contact Signup and view all the answers

How many surfaces do anterior teeth typically have?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the surface of a tooth that faces the cheek or lip?

Buccal surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fold of tissue extending along the floor of the mouth on either side from the sublingual caruncle?

Sublingual fold Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 12 molars in the human dentition?

Grinding and crushing food Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the line that demarcates the crown and root of a tooth?

Cemento-enamel junction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of premolars?

Grinding and crushing food Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of enamel's self-cleaning ability?

To make it difficult for debris to adhere to the tooth crown Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about dentin is true?

It forms the bulk of the tooth crown and root Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cementum?

To provide a medium for the attachment of the tooth to the alveolar bone Signup and view all the answers

What happens when secondary dentin completely fills the pulp chamber?

The tooth becomes nonvital Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of tertiary dentin?

To respond to caries or trauma Signup and view all the answers

What is the hardest natural material in the human body?

Diamond Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of incisors?

To tear and cut through something Signup and view all the answers

How do canines primarily function in humans?

To protect the jaw joint during side jaw movements Signup and view all the answers

Why are premolars not referred to as bicuspids?

Because they have multiple cusps Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinguishing feature of maxillary canines compared to other teeth?

They have triangular roots Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic makes molars different from incisors and canines?

Having cusps instead of incisal edges Signup and view all the answers

Why are premolars categorized as grinding teeth rather than cutting teeth like incisors?

Due to the presence of two cusps rather than incisal edges Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the soft palate during speech and swallowing?

The soft palate moves to close off the oral pharynx from the nasal pharynx. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fold of tissue extending from the soft palate downward into the lateral pharyngeal wall?

Palatopharyngeal arch Signup and view all the answers

What structure is located immediately in front of the palatine tonsil?

Anterior pillar or palatoglossal arch Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the small elevation on each side at the base of the lingual frenum?

Sublingual caruncle Signup and view all the answers

What muscle is responsible for pulling the soft palate up and back until it contacts the posterior throat wall during speech and swallowing?

Levator veli palatini muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fold of tissue extending from an area near the tip of the tongue down to the floor of the mouth?

Lingual frenum Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Palate Structure

The palate's underlying tissue varies in thickness and composition from region to region
Midline of the hard palate: thin connective tissue, feels hard and bony
Anterolateral part of the hard palate: thicker connective tissue with fat cells
Posterolateral portion: fat cells and numerous minor salivary glands secreting mucus
Soft palate: contains mucus-secreting minor salivary glands to keep epithelium moist

Tooth Structure

Crown: covered with enamel, visible above the gingiva
Root: covered with cementum, anchors tooth in bone
Cementoenamel junction (CEJ): line demarcating crown and root
Clinical crown: visible part of the tooth above the gingiva
Anatomic crown: entire crown covered with enamel, whether erupted or not

Tooth Regions

Coronal portion: most incisal or occlusal part of the tooth
Cervical area: junction of crown and root
Apical area: ends at the terminal end of the root
Alveolar process: portion of jaw supporting teeth
Alveolus: bony socket holding the tooth

Tooth Roots

Single or multiple roots (bifurcation or trifurcation)
Each root has one apex (terminal end)
Furcal region: area between multirooted teeth

Root to Crown Ratio

Longer and wider roots provide more resistance to displacement
Longer roots offer more surface area for periodontal attachment
Lever principle: longer the root, more force required to displace the tooth

Tooth Tissues

Enamel: hardest tissue in the human body, most densely mineralized
Dentin: forms main body of tooth, softer than enamel, wrapped in enamel and cementum
Cementum: bonelike substance covering the root, provides anchorage
Dental pulp: soft tissue within the tooth

Tooth Functions

Incisors: designed to cut, biting edge is the incisal edge
Canines: function as holding or grasping teeth, resembling spear heads
Premolars: cross between canines and molars, with at least two cusps
Molars: largest teeth, function to grind or crush food, usually with four or more cusps### Tooth Structure
Cementum: 45%-50% inorganic, 50%-55% organic; less durable than dentin or enamel
Covers the root of the tooth, providing anchorage and support
Thinner at the cervical line, thicker at the apex of the root
Union of cementum and dentin is called the dentinocemental junction

Surfaces of Teeth

Contact surfaces: areas where proximal surfaces touch one another
Lingual surface: faces the tongue
Facial surface: faces the cheek or lip (labial if anterior, buccal if posterior)
Proximal surface: faces the neighboring tooth's surface in the same arch
Mesial proximal surface: closest to the midline of the face
Distal proximal surface: faces away from the midline
Occlusal surface: biting surface of the posterior tooth
Incisal surface (ridge): biting surface of the anterior tooth

Tooth Divisions

Tooth surfaces divided into thirds: lingual, facial, and proximal
Each third named for the surface it is closest to, except for the middle third
Divisions perpendicular to the surfaces: incisal, middle, and cervical third
On posterior teeth, the incisal third is called the occlusal third

Interproximal Spaces

Triangular-shaped spaces between teeth formed by the gingiva and proximal surfaces
Interdental papilla (gingival tissue) keeps food from collecting between teeth
Normal interdental space provides a place for bulk bone, offering better anchorage and support

Cervical Embrasures

Formed when interdental papilla and bone no longer fill the interdental space
A void exists cervically to the contact area, offering a place for bacteria and food debris to accumulate
Can occur from periodontal or orthodontic causes

Gingiva

Composed of free and attached gingiva
Made up of dense mucosa (masticatory mucosa) with a thick epithelial covering and keratinized cells
Underlying mucosa composed of dense collagen fibers

Additional Facts

Enamel: 96% inorganic, 4% organic; hardest and most resilient body tissue
Dentin: 70% inorganic, 30% organic; softer than enamel, harder than cementum or bone
Secondary dentin: formed throughout the pulp chamber after the tooth erupts
Tertiary dentin: formed in response to caries or trauma### Tooth Structure
The crown is covered with enamel, and the root portion is covered with cementum.
The crown and root are joined at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ).
The line that demarcates the crown and root is called the cervical line.

Crown and Root

The crown portion of the tooth erupts through the bone and gingival tissue.
After eruption, the crown will never again be covered with gingiva.
Only the cervical third of the crown in healthy young adults is partly covered by this tissue.

Anatomical vs. Clinical

The anatomic crown is the entire crown of the tooth that is covered by enamel, regardless of whether it is erupted.
The clinical crown is only that part seen above the gingiva.

Coronal, Cervical, and Apical Areas of a Tooth

The coronal portion (crown area) is the part of the tooth that is most incisal or occlusal.
The cervical area is the area that forms the junction of the crown and the root.
The cervical line marks this junction, and that part of the tooth located in this area would be called the cervix of the tooth.
The apical area ends at the terminal end of the root and is called the apex.

Alveolar Process

The portion of the jaw that supports the teeth is called the alveolar process.
The bony socket in which the tooth fits is called the alveolus.

Tooth Types

Incisors are designed to cut, and the biting edge is called an incisal edge.
Canines are designed to function as holding or grasping teeth.
Premolars are a cross between canines and molars and are not as long as canines.
Molars are much larger than premolars, and usually have four or more cusps.

Tooth Function

Teeth are important in many functions of the body, including protecting the oral cavity, acquiring and chewing food, and aiding the digestive system in breaking down food.
Teeth form a hard physical barrier that protects the oral cavity.
Teeth also function in communication, including speech, phonetics, and even whistling.

Palate and Tongue Anatomy

The soft palate stretches back from the hard palate and in its most posterior portion at the midline is a downward projecting muscle known as the uvula.
The palatine tonsil and its associated pillars form the boundary of the oral cavity.
The posterior extent of the oral cavity is the space between the left and right tonsils and their pillars known as the fauces.
The tongue has filiform, fungiform, vallate or circumvallate papillae, and the roughened lateral surface of the tongue opposite the vallate papillae, which represents rudimentary foliate papillae.

Tori and Frenulum

Mandibular tori are bony swellings on the lingual surface of the mandible at the canine area.
The lingual frenum or frenulum is a fold of tissue extending from an area near the tip of the tongue down to the floor of the mouth.
The sublingual caruncle is a small elevation on each side of the lingual frenum that marks the opening for the ducts of two of the major salivary glands, the submandibular and sublingual glands.

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Test your knowledge of the anatomy of the oral cavity, which marks the upper end and beginning of the digestive system. Learn about structures like the lips, cheeks, palatine tonsils, and tonsillar pillars.