Components of Oral Cavity in Detail Flashcards
How does Saliva reach the oral cavity?
- Is secreted by glands
- Is transported to oral cavity via ducts
How does saliva assist functioning of oral cavity?
3 key points
- Possess enzymes that assist in digestive process
- Keep oral mucosa moist
- Helps prevent tooth decay by breaking down left over matter
What are the 3 Salivary Glands
- Parotid Gland
- Submandibular Gland
- Sublingual Glands
State the location and the duct for the Parotid Gland
- Found near the ear
- Stenson’s Duct
Duct opens at buccal surfaces
State the location and duct for the Submandibular Gland
- Found near the jawbone
- Wharton’s Duct
Duct opens at posterioir Floor of the Mouth,
State the location and duct for the Sublingual Gland
- Found under the tongue and floor of the mouth
- Ducts of Rivinus
Duct opens at anterioir Floor of the Mouth
What are the 3 types of Gingiva?
- Marginal / Free Gingiva
- Attached Gingiva
- Interdental Gingiva
What is Marginal / Free Gingiva?
Gingiva found above the teeth
What is Attached Gingiva?
Gingiva found in contact/attached to teeth
* Is harder and keratinised
What is the Gingival Margin?
Margin that separates Marginal / Free Gingiva from Attached Gingiva
What is Interdental Gingiva?
Gingiva found between the teeth
What is the Alveolus?
Process of the bone that makes up the two jaws (alveolar bone)
What are the 2 jaws formally reffered to as?
- Maxillary = Upper Jaw
- Mandibe (Mandibular) = Lower Jaw
What is the purpose of the Alveolar Bone?
- Acts as a bed for teeth to slot and sit in
What is a slot for a tooth in an alveolar bone called?
Alveoli
Not to be confused with alveoli in the lungs
What is the purpose of cheecks?
- Helps keep contents enclosed
- Possess opening of the Stenson’s Duct
What is Mucosa?
Soft tissue lining the cheeks, lips and tongue
What is the purpose of lips / labia?
- Helps with speech
- Helps keep contents enclosed
- Acts as soft tissue transition between mucosa to skin
What is the function of the tongue?
- Help with speech
- Help with tasting
- Help keep teeth clean and protect from decay
How much of the tongue is visible?
- Anterior two-thirds is visible
- Posterioir one-third is not visible
What separates the posterior one-third from the anterioir two-thirds?
The Terminal Sulcus
What is the top surface of the tongue called?
Dorsal Surface
Is keratinised
What is the bottom surface of the tongue called?
Ventral Surface
Unkeratinised
What is the side surfaces of the tongue called?
Lateral Surfaces
Acts as transition between dorsal and ventral surfaces
State the 4 main types of paillae found on the tongue
- Filiform Papillae
- Fungiform Papillae
- Foliate Papillae
- Circumvallate / Vallate Papillae
Where on the tongue is the Filiform Papillae located?
Anterior and Central position on the Dorsal Surface
Where on the tongue is Fungiform Papillae found?
Mushroom-shaped and scattered around the tongue - found near intersection of dorsal surface, tip of tongue and lateral surfaces
Where on the tongue is Foliate Papillae found?
Rough folds of tissue found on posterior lateral surface
Where is Circumvallate / Vallate Papillae found?
Largest type of papillae found on posterioir dorsal surface of tongue
What two ducts open up at the Floor of the Mouth?
- Wharton’s Duct (From Submandibular Gland)
- Ducts of Rivinus (From Sublingual Gland)
What is the imaginary line that separates the Soft Palate from the Hard Palate called?
Vibrating Line
What are the bumpy ridges found on the anterior hard palate called?
Palatine Rugae
What soft tissue structure connects the oral cavity to the pharynx?
Oropharyngeal Isthmus
This consists of the Palatoglossal arch and Palatopharyngeal Arc
What are the Pillar of Fauces?
Refers to the two arches that make up the Oralpharyngeal Isthmus
* Palatoglossal Arc
* Palatopharyngeal Arc
