Oral cavities

Oral cavity refers to the mouth, a complex structure that forms the beginning of the digestive system and plays a crucial role in the respiratory system. It is bounded by the lips, cheeks, palate, and floor of the mouth and contains the teeth, tongue, and openings of the salivary glands.

Structure

The oral cavity is divided into two parts: the vestibule and the oral cavity proper. The vestibule is the area between the lips and cheeks externally, and the teeth and gums internally. The oral cavity proper lies behind the teeth and gums and is bounded at the rear by the oropharynx.

Teeth

The teeth are vital for the mechanical breakdown of food, facilitating digestion. Humans typically have two sets of teeth in their lifetime: deciduous (or baby) teeth and permanent teeth.

Tongue

The tongue is a muscular organ in the mouth that is covered with a moist, pink tissue called mucosa. It is anchored to the mouth by webs of tough tissue and mucous membranes. The tongue is vital for chewing and swallowing food, as well as for speech.

Salivary Glands

The salivary glands produce saliva, which begins the process of digestion of starches and also lubricates the mouth during speech and eating, making it easier to chew and swallow food.

Functions

The oral cavity has several functions, including:

• Digestion: The oral cavity initiates the digestion process through mechanical breakdown of food by the teeth and chemical breakdown by enzymes in the saliva.
• Speech: The movement of the tongue and lips, and the flow of air through the mouth, are essential for articulation.
• Respiration: The oral cavity is a secondary route for the intake and expulsion of air.
• Sensory: The mouth contains taste buds on the tongue and is sensitive to touch, temperature, and pain, providing sensory feedback.

Health and Diseases

The health of the oral cavity is vital for overall well-being. Common conditions affecting the oral cavity include:

• Dental caries (tooth decay)
• Gingivitis and periodontitis (gum diseases)
• Oral cancer
• Candidiasis (a fungal infection)
• Herpes simplex (a viral infection)

Preventive care, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, is essential to maintain oral health.

See Also

• Digestive system
• Respiratory system
• Dentistry

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