The Oral Cavity: The Gateway to the Digestive System

Understanding the Structure and Function of the Mouth

The oral cavity, commonly known as the mouth, serves as the initial entry point for food and liquids into the body. It is a complex and vital structure that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including eating, speaking, and respiration.

The Boundaries of the Mouth Cavity

The oral cavity is bounded laterally by the lips and cheeks, superiorly by the palate, and inferiorly by the tongue and floor of the mouth. The posterior boundary of the mouth, known as the fauces or oropharyngeal isthmus, is a narrow passage that leads into the pharynx. This opening is bordered laterally by the palatoglossal folds and posteriorly by the palatopharyngeal folds.

The mouth cavity is further divided into two main regions: the oral vestibule and the oral cavity proper. The oral vestibule is the space located between the lips or cheeks and the teeth. On the other hand, the oral cavity proper is the space within the teeth and is bounded by the palate, tongue, and floor of the mouth.