Difference between revisions of "Oral Cavity Overview - Anatomy & Physiology"
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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
| − | The oral cavity is the first section of the alimentary tract that recieves food. It provides the digestive functions of prehension, [[Mastication|mastication]] and insalivation and also plays a role in the [[Cardiorespiratory System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|respiratory system]] through oral breathing when the | + | The oral cavity is the first section of the alimentary tract that recieves food. It provides the digestive functions of prehension, [[Mastication|mastication]] and insalivation and also plays a role in the [[Cardiorespiratory System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|respiratory system]] through oral breathing when the nasopharynx is impaired. The oral cavity or mouth, consists of accessory structures (the [[Salivary Glands - Anatomy & Physiology|salivary glands]]), projecting structures, (the [[:Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|teeth]] and the [[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]]) and the walls enclosing the oral cavity. |
[[Image:Anatomy of the Oral Cavity.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Oral Cavity Anatomy - Copyright Nottingham 2008]] | [[Image:Anatomy of the Oral Cavity.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Oral Cavity Anatomy - Copyright Nottingham 2008]] | ||
Revision as of 18:41, 4 January 2011
Introduction
The oral cavity is the first section of the alimentary tract that recieves food. It provides the digestive functions of prehension, mastication and insalivation and also plays a role in the respiratory system through oral breathing when the nasopharynx is impaired. The oral cavity or mouth, consists of accessory structures (the salivary glands), projecting structures, (the teeth and the tongue) and the walls enclosing the oral cavity.
Anatomical Boundaries
The oral cavity is bordered rostrally by the lips and caudally by the pharynx at the level of the palatoglossal arches.
Outer Vestibule
The teeth and jaw margins medially and the lips and cheeks laterally. The ramus of the mandible and masseter muscle caudally.
Oral Cavity Proper
Inside the dental arches, the palate borders dorsally and the teeth, gums and jaw margins laterally. The tongue margins ventrally. The size can be altered by raising or lowering the tongue and the floor of the oral cavity when the mouth is closed.
Histology and Innervation
The oral cavity originates from ectoderm. It is innervated by the trigeminal nerve (CN V).
Links
Test yourself with the Oral Cavity Flashcards and the Oral Cavity Pathology Flashcards