Oral Cavity and Salivary Glands

A set of flashcards based on the lecture notes regarding the oral cavity and salivary glands, covering structure, function, histology, and clinical significance.

What is the main purpose of the oral cavity?

The oral cavity serves as the inlet for the digestive system, allowing initial processing of food.

What forms the roof of the oral cavity?

The roof of the oral cavity consists of the hard and soft palates.

Where does the oral cavity open to?

The oral cavity opens onto the face through the oral fissure.

What is the floor of the oral cavity primarily formed by?

The floor is mainly formed by soft tissues, including a muscular diaphragm and the tongue.

What are the lateral walls of the oral cavity?

The lateral walls are formed by the muscular cheeks.

What separates the oral cavity into two regions?

The upper and lower dental arches, consisting of teeth and alveolar bone.

What does the term 'oral vestibule' refer to?

The horseshoe-shaped space between the dental arches and the deep surfaces of the cheeks and lips.

What provides blood supply to the lower lip?

The mental artery.

What is the role of the soft palate?

The soft palate aids in swallowing and speech by closing off the nasal passages during these activities.

What is lined with stratified squamous epithelium in the oral cavity?

The oral cavity is lined with either keratinized or nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

What type of epithelium is found on the gingiva and hard palate?

Keratinized squamous epithelium.

What do nonkeratinized squamous epithelium cover in the oral cavity?

The soft palate, lips, cheeks, and the floor of the mouth.

What type of gland is the parotid gland?

The parotid gland is an exocrine salivary gland.

What secretes saliva with antibacterial properties in the oral cavity?

The salivary glands, which secrete substances like immunoglobulin IgA and lysozyme.

What is the main function of saliva?

Saliva provides lubrication and initiates digestion while protecting oral mucosa.

What major arteries supply the parotid gland?

Branches of the external carotid artery.

Which nerve provides motor supply to the muscles of the lip?

The facial nerve.

What structure separates the maxillary and mandibular teeth?

The alveolar processes.

What is the main type of cell in taste buds?

Gustatory (taste) cells.

Which muscles are responsible for elevating the soft palate during swallowing?

The levator veli palatini and palatopharyngeus muscles.

What structure connects the lips to the gums?

The labial frenulum.

Which muscles are involved in movement and shape alteration of the tongue?

Extrinsic and intrinsic muscles.

What is the function of the mylohyoid muscle?

It forms the floor of the mouth and assists with tongue movement.

Where does the parotid duct open?

It opens into the vestibule of the mouth opposite the 2nd maxillary molar.

What type of secretion do the submandibular and sublingual glands produce?

Seromucous secretion.

How does the sympathetic nervous system affect salivary secretion?

It inhibits salivary secretion and can induce dry mouth.

What is the main function of the tongue?

The tongue assists in mastication, swallowing, speech, and taste.

What is the role of saliva in digestion?

Saliva initiates the digestion of carbohydrates and lipids.

What parts comprise the hard palate?

The hard palate is made up of the palatine processes of the maxilla and the horizontal plates of the palatine bones.

What do the greater and lesser palatine foramina allow?

They allow the passage of nerves and blood vessels to the palate.

What is the significance of the dentin in a tooth?

Dentin forms the bulk of the tooth and provides strength.

What structures assist the periodontal ligament?

The periodontal ligament connects the cementum and the alveolar bone.

What is the clinical term for an overly large and short lingual frenulum?

Tongue-tie.

What is the key structure for sensory nerves in the tongue?

The lingual nerve.

What type of cells are myoepithelial cells?

Myoepithelial cells aid in saliva secretion by surrounding secretory units.

Which muscle is involved in protruding the tongue?

The genioglossus muscle.

What is a significant clinical consequence of hypoglossal nerve damage?

Paralysis and atrophy of one side of the tongue.

What is the significance of the pulp cavity in the tooth?

The pulp cavity contains nerves and blood vessels essential for tooth health.

What characterizes the various types of papillae on the tongue?

Different types serve different functions, with some containing taste buds.

What gland is primarily responsible for the production of serous saliva?

The parotid gland.

What types of secretory cells are found in salivary glands?

Serous and mucous cells.