Oral anatomy
Oral Anatomy
Oral Anatomy (pronunciation: /ˈɔːrəl əˈnætəmi/) is the branch of Anatomy that deals with the structure and function of the oral cavity. The term is derived from the Latin words "os, oris" meaning mouth and "anatomia" meaning dissection.
Teeth
The Teeth (pronunciation: /tiːθ/) are hard, calcified structures found in the oral cavity. They are used for breaking down food by cutting and crushing them in preparation for swallowing and digestion. The etymology of the word "teeth" comes from the Old English "tēth", which is plural of "tōth".
Tongue
The Tongue (pronunciation: /tʌŋ/) is a muscular organ in the mouth. The tongue is covered with moist, pink tissue called mucosa and tiny bumps called papillae. It is primarily used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and articulating speech. The word "tongue" is derived from the Old English "tunge".
Salivary Glands
The Salivary Glands (pronunciation: /ˈsælɪˌveri ˈɡlændz/) are exocrine glands that produce saliva to lubricate the mouth and aid in digestion. There are three major salivary glands: the parotid gland, submandibular gland, and sublingual gland. The term "salivary glands" is derived from the Latin "saliva" meaning spit and the Greek "aden" meaning gland.
Palate
The Palate (pronunciation: /ˈpælɪt/) is the roof of the mouth in humans and other mammals. It separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. The word "palate" is derived from the Latin "palatum".
Related Terms
- Dentition - The arrangement or condition of the teeth in a particular species or individual.
- Gingiva - Also known as gums, are the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth and covers the alveolar part of the jaws.
- Oropharynx - The part of the pharynx that lies between the soft palate and the hyoid bone.
- Periodontium - The specialized tissues that both surround and support the teeth, maintaining them in the maxillary and mandibular bones.
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