Zeitschrift für Integrative Onkologie

The Grinding and Crushing of Food, Which Occurs In the Oral Cavity

Abstract

Aqsa Fathima

The anatomy of the oral cavity is particularly challenging because there are many diverse types of tissue located in this relatively small area. The oral cavity initiates at the lips and extends backwards to the front part of the tonsils. Beginning at the front of the upper and lower lips is the very specific tissue called the vermilion border, which lines the lips. Once inside the mouth, this entire region is coated with a lining that is focused to provide lubrication of the oral cavity. The bone of the lower jaw called the mandible and of the upper jaw, called the hard palate, is also included in this area as well as the teeth. The lining of the mouth becomes thick overlying this bone. Directly behind the lower teeth is a smooth gutter, known as the floor of mouth. Here, the lower saliva gland empties saliva through specialized ducts just under the tip of the tongue. The front two thirds of the tongue are also included within the oral cavity. The tongue consists of the specialized thick lining on the top and sides, which contains the taste buds. Underneath this are numerous specialized and coordinated muscles that provide movement of the tongue. The last part of the oral cavity, located in the rear of this region, is the retromolar trigone. This is a firm area just behind the back molars in the lower jaw. The oral cavity has numerous functions. One function is called oral competence, which is the ability to hold food and saliva in the mouth without drooling. The specialized lining of the mouth as well as the many saliva glands provide lubrication which aide in speech, swallowing and in the digestion of food. The grinding and crushing of food, which occurs in the oral cavity, is also important for digestion. Once foods are prepared for swallowing, the oral cavity helps in swallowing as the tongue and the mouth push the food backward towards the swallowing tube the esophagus. Finally, our highly coordinated and specialized speech, which is so important to communication, would not be possible without the structures of the oral cavity.