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==Overview==

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==Introduction==

The cheeks (buccae) are important in the process of [[Mastication|mastication]] (and also drinking in herbivores). Minor [[Oral Cavity - Salivary Glands - Anatomy & Physiology|Salivary glands]] are located within the buccal musculature.  

The cheeks (buccae) are important in the process of [[Mastication|mastication]] (and also drinking in herbivores). Minor [[Salivary Glands - Anatomy & Physiology|Salivary glands]] are located within the buccal musculature. The cheeks also create extensive food storage pouches in some species.

 

The cheeks also create extensive food storage pouches in some species.

==Structure and Function==

==Structure and Function==

*The cheeks are composed of many of the muscles of [[mastication]]

The cheeks are composed of many of the muscles of [[mastication]].

*The main muscles of [[mastication]] are:  

The main muscles of [[mastication]] are:

**The buccinator muscle  

*The '''masseter''' muscle

**The masseter muscle

*The '''lateral''' and '''medial''' pterygoids

**Lateral and medial pterygoids

*The '''digastricus''' muscle

**Digastricus muscle

*The '''temporalis''' muscle

**Zygomaticus muscle

**Platysma muscle

*[[Parotid|Parotid duct]] ends in a small papillae opposite the upper fourth premolar (canid)

*the buccinator muscle

*[[Buccal|Buccal]] glands

The cheeks are innervated by the trigeminal nerve ([[Cranial Nerves - Anatomy & Physiology|CN V]]) and the facial nerve ([[Cranial Nerves - Anatomy & Physiology|CN VII]]).

*Trigeminal nerve ([[Nervous System - CNS - Anatomy & Physiology#Innervation - Cranial Nerves|CN V]]) 

*[[Buccal Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|Buccal]] glands

*Facial nerve ([[Nervous System - CNS - Anatomy & Physiology#Innervation - Cranial Nerves|CN VII]])

*[[Zygomatic Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|Zygomatic]] salivary gland

==Species Differences==

==Species Differences==

===Rodents===

===Rodents===

*'Cheek pouches' are diverticula found in rodents (and monkeys) allowing food storage. The pouches can be extensive extending into the thorax with their own musculature.

'Cheek pouches' are '''diverticula''' found in rodents (and monkeys) allowing food storage. The pouches can be extensive extending into the thorax with their own musculature.

===Ruminants===

===Ruminants===

*Papillae are present on the medial surface of the cheeks. These large, pointed and densely spaced projections of keratin provide protection to the underlying epithelium due to the rough diet.

'''Papillae''' are present on the medial surface of the cheeks. These large, pointed and densely spaced projections of '''keratin''' provide protection to the underlying epithelium due to the rough diet.

==Links==

|flashcards = [[Cheeks Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards]]<br>[[Facial_Muscles_-_Musculoskeletal_-_Flashcards|Facial Muscles Flashcards]]

|Vetstream = [https://www.vetstream.com/canis/Content/Disease/dis02133.asp Masticatory Myopthies]

[[Oral Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology - Flashcards#Cheeks Flashcards|Cheek Flashcards]]

[[Category:Oral Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology]]

[[Category:Musculoskeletal System - Anatomy & Physiology]]