Oral Cavity Overview - Anatomy & Physiology

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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 tongue) and the walls enclosing the oral cavity.

Anatomical Boundaries

• Rostrally by lips

• Caudally by pharynx at the level of the palatoglossal arches

Outer Vestibule

• Teeth and jaw margins medially

• Lips and cheeks laterally

• Ramus of the mandible and masseter muscle caudally

Oral Cavity Proper

• Inside the dental arches

• Palate dorsally

• Teeth, gums and jaw margins laterally

• Tongue ventrally

• Size altered by raising or lowering the tongue and floor or oral cavity when mouth is closed

Histology and Innervation

• Ectoderm

• Trigeminal nerve (CN V)

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