9. Anatomy of oral cavity Flashcards
where does the oral cavity lie?
inferior to the nasal cavity
what does the oral cavity consist of?
2 lateral walls, a floor and a roof
what forms the lateral walls of the oral cavity?
buccinators (cheek muscle)
what do the buccinators act with and what are their function?
buccinators act with tongue to keep food between teeth when chewing
what forms the roof of the oral cavity?
hard and soft palate
what forms the floor of the oral cavity?
muscular diaphragm and the tongue
with other soft tissues
where does the oral cavity begin anteriorly?
oral fissure (bounded by the lips)
where does the oral cavity extend posteriorly?
to the oropharyngeal isthmus
connection between oral cavity and pharynx
what is the isthmus?
an ‘arch’ formed by the soft palate above
and the upper surface of the tongue below
what forms the sides of the oropharyngeal isthmus?
anterior and posterior pillars of the fauces
what forms the pillars / arches (of fauces)?
palatoglossal muscle (anterior) palatopharyngeal muscle (posterior)
where do the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal muscles run from?
from the soft palate of the tongue and pharynx
when do the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal muscles contract?
contract during chewing to pull the soft palate down towards the back of tongue, closing the oropharyngeal isthmus
why do the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal muscles contract?
ensure the food remains in the oral cavity while chewing
what lies between the pillars (of fauces)?
tonsillar fossa