Oral Functions: Sensory & Motor systems

Question 1

where does the mental nerve exit the mandible?

Answer 1

via the mental foramen

Question 2

what is meant by paraesthesia?

Answer 2

an abnormal sensation, typically tingling or prickling (pins and needles)

Question 3

what is dysaesthesia?

Answer 3

an abnormal unpleasant sensation felt when touched, caused by damage to peripheral nerve

Question 4

what reflex acts to prevent material entering the pharynx?

Answer 4

gagging reflex

Question 5

what mechanisms are involved in the gagging reflex?

Answer 5

• evoked by mechanical stimulation of fauces, palate, posterior tongue, pharynx

Question 6

what nerves are involved in the gaging reflex?

Answer 6

• afferent (sensorial) response from IX (glossopharyngeal)
• efferent response from V, IX, X, XI, XII
• the motor (secretory) visceral nerves of salivary glands are also stimulated

Question 7

what extra oral examinations can a dentist do to test for Bell’s palsy?

Answer 7

• inability to wrinkle brow
• dropping eyelid/inability to close eye
• inability to puff cheek/no muscle tone
• dropping mouth/food stuck in cheek

Question 8

what is the function of the orbicularis oris and buccinator muscles?

Answer 8

helps to control food bolus and prevent spillages

Question 9

what are some causes of Bell’s palsy?

Answer 9

• infections
• otitis media
• diabetes
• trauma
• toxins
• temporality by infiltration of LA to the facial nerve branches

Question 10

what is otitis media?

Answer 10

inflammation of the middle ear

Question 11

how can LA administration cause Bell’s palsy?

Answer 11

occurs when the injection is given too far distally & the parotid gland is penetrated
- this allows diffusion of the LA through the facial nerve

Question 12

if facial palsy occurs to a patient in the dental surgery, what should be the first thing the dentist does?

Answer 12

ensure that the eye is protected with a loose pad

• protect the cornea
• do this until the protective blink reflex returns

Question 13

what might occur if the needle pierces the medial pterygoid muscle?

Answer 13

trismus

Question 14

what does the loss of periodontal mechanoreception influence?

Answer 14

• control of jaw function
• precision of magnitude
• direction
• rate of occlusal load application

Question 15

what disorders may cause/lead to dysphagia?

Answer 15

• stroke
• brain injury
• multiple sclerosis
• gastroesophageal reflux disorder
• tumours

Question 16

what is stimulated when you smell something? what occurs if the patient has a smelling disorder?

Answer 16

salivary glands are stimulated

- smelling disorders often affect the sense of taste

Question 17

what is meant by anosmia?

Answer 17

a loss of olfactory sense

Question 18

what is the function of nociceptors?

Answer 18

respond to intense (noxious) stimuli, that are usually associated with pain