The Gastrointestinal System - STATION 1 – THE ORAL CAVITY, PHARYNX AND OESOPHAGUS Flashcards
What does the oral cavity include?
The oral cavity includes the lips, the inside lining of the lips and cheeks (buccal mucosa), teeth, gums, the front (anterior) two-thirds of the tongue, the floor of the mouth below the tongue, and the bony roof of the mouth (hard palate).
What is the hard and soft palates of the mouth?
The hard and soft palates: The roof of the mouth is known as the palate. The hard palate is the front part of the roof of the mouth, and the soft palate is the back part.
Describe the surface of the tongue
On the surface of the tongue, there are fungiform and filiform papillae on the anterior two thirds, and the circumvallate papillae which form a V-shape posteriorly.
The epiglottis, projects upwards at the base of the tongue.
What is its function and where is it located?
The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located behind the tongue, at the top of the larynx, or voice box. The main function of the epiglottis is to seal off the windpipe during eating, so that food is not accidentally inhaled.
Describe the salivary glands of the face
- The submandibular gland, lies under the body of the mandible (jawbone)
- The parotid gland occupies the space between the ramus (ascending part) of the mandible and the external ear. The parotid duct runs anteriorly from the gland to pierce the muscle of the cheek (the buccinator).
- The sublingual salivary gland lies directly inferior to the tongue, therefore it can be seen under your own tongue in a mirror!
