Oral cavity

Oral cavity

Latin	Cavum oris
Nerve	Trigeminal nerve, Facial nerve
System	Digestive system

The oral cavity is a key anatomical space within the head and neck region. It is bounded at the front by the lips, at the sides and above by the cheeks and palate, and at the back by the entrance to the throat or pharynx. The floor of the oral cavity is formed by the tongue and the mucous membrane of the underside of the mouth.

Structure

The oral cavity is divided into two parts: the vestibule and the oral cavity proper. The vestibule is the area between the teeth, gums, and lips/cheeks. The oral cavity proper lies inside the teeth and gums, and it contains the majority of the oral cavity's anatomical structures, including the tongue, salivary glands, and various muscles.

Teeth

The teeth are vital for the mechanical breakdown of food. They are embedded in the mandible (lower jaw) and maxilla (upper jaw).

Tongue

The tongue is a muscular organ in the mouth that is essential for chewing and swallowing food, as well as for speech. It is also a major sensory organ for taste.

Salivary Glands

There are three pairs of major salivary glands — the parotid gland, the submandibular gland, and the sublingual gland — that secrete saliva into the oral cavity. Saliva helps in the digestion of food and maintains the oral hygiene.

Function

The primary functions of the oral cavity include:

• Ingestion of food and drink
• Mechanical digestion through chewing
• Chemical digestion through enzymes found in saliva
• Sensation of taste
• Speech and communication

Health and Diseases

The oral cavity can be affected by various diseases and conditions, including dental caries, gingivitis, oral cancer, and herpes simplex infection. Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, is essential to prevent many of these conditions.

See also

• Digestive system
• Human mouth
• Tooth
• Gum (gingiva)