Digestive System: Oral Cavity and Dentition

Flashcards covering key concepts of the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity structures, dentition, tooth anatomy, and salivary glands based on the lecture transcript.

What organs comprise the upper GI tract, and what is its primary function?

The upper GI tract consists of the mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, and stomach. It transports food from entry into the body until digestion begins in the stomach.

What organs make up the lower GI tract?

The lower GI tract consists of the small and large intestines (small and large bowels), rectum, and anus.

Which structures are classified as accessory organs of the digestive system?

The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

What function does the soft palate serve during swallowing?

The soft palate closes off the nasal passage to prevent food and liquid from moving upward into the nasal cavity.

What is the uvula, and what roles does it play?

The uvula is a structure hanging from the free edge of the soft palate. It moves upward during swallowing and plays an important role in snoring and the formation of some speech sounds.

What are papillae, and where are they found?

Papillae are small bumps located on the dorsum (upper surface) of the tongue that contain taste buds, which are sensory receptors for taste.

Why is the sublingual surface of the tongue suitable for administering medications?

It is covered with delicate, highly vascular tissues (containing many blood vessels), allowing medications placed under the tongue to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.

What band of tissue attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth and limits its motion?

The lingual venom.

What structures compose the periodontium?

The structures that surround, support, and are attached to the teeth, consisting of the bone of the dental arches and the soft tissues that surround and support the teeth.

What is the gingiva (masticatory mucosa)?

A specialized mucous membrane that covers the bone of the dental arches and surrounds the neck of the teeth, commonly known as the gums.

What is the sulcus in dental anatomy?

The area of space between a tooth and the surrounding gingiva where buildup of food debris and bacteria can lead to infection.

How do the maxillary arch and mandibular arch differ?

The maxillary arch (upper jaw) consists of bones of the lower surface of the skull and does not move. The mandibular arch (lower jaw) is a separate bone and is the only movable component of the joint.

Where is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) located?

It is formed at the back of the mouth where the maxillary and mandibular arches come together.

How many teeth make up the primary dentition, and what types of teeth are included?

The primary dentition consists of 20 baby teeth: 8 incisors, 4 canines, and 8 molars, with no premolars.

What is the breakdown of tooth types in the permanent dentition?

The permanent dentition consists of 32 teeth: 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars.

What is dental occlusion?

Any contact between the chewing surfaces of the upper and lower teeth.

What is the crown of a tooth and what material covers it?

The crown is the portion of the tooth visible in the mouth, covered with enamel, which is the hardest substance in the body.

What material protects the roots of a tooth?

Cementum protects the roots, holding them securely in place within the dental arch.

Which substance makes up the bulk of a tooth?

Dentin.

What is the function of the pulp cavity and pulp inside a tooth?

The pulp cavity surrounds and protects the delicate pulp, which consists of a rich supply of blood vessels and nerves providing nutrients and innervation to the tooth.

Which enzyme in saliva initiates chemical digestion?

Amylase.

Where are the three pairs of salivary glands located?

The parotid glands are on the face in front of each ear; the sublingual glands are on the floor of the mouth under the tongue; and the submandibular glands are on the floor of the mouth near the mandible.