Buccal

Buccal refers to anything related to the cheek or the mouth cavity. The term is derived from the Latin word "bucca," meaning cheek. It is commonly used in anatomy, dentistry, and medicine to describe structures, conditions, and procedures associated with the cheek and the inner lining of the mouth.

Anatomy

The buccal region is an important area in the study of human anatomy. It includes the buccinator muscle, which is a major muscle of the cheek. The buccinator muscle plays a crucial role in mastication (chewing) by helping to keep food between the teeth. The buccal mucosa is the inner lining of the cheeks and is part of the oral mucosa.

Dentistry

In dentistry, the term buccal is often used to describe the surface of a tooth that is adjacent to the cheek. For example, the buccal surface of a molar is the part of the tooth that faces the inside of the cheek. Dentists and dental hygienists frequently refer to the buccal surfaces when discussing dental health, dental caries, and dental procedures.

Medicine

In medicine, buccal administration refers to the delivery of medication through the buccal mucosa. This method allows for the drug to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. Buccal administration is often used for medications that need to act quickly or for patients who have difficulty swallowing.

Buccal Conditions

Several medical conditions can affect the buccal region, including:

• Buccal mucosa cancer: A type of oral cancer that affects the inner lining of the cheeks.
• Buccal cellulitis: A bacterial infection of the cheek tissues.
• Buccal fat pad: A mass of fat in the cheek that can be surgically removed for cosmetic reasons.

Related Pages

• Oral cavity
• Buccinator muscle
• Mastication
• Dental caries
• Oral cancer
• Drug administration routes