saliva and palate

Parotid Salivary Gland

Gland that provides 25% of saliva volume and is located just below and in front of the ear. This saliva passes through the Stensen duct .

Submandibular Salivary Gland

Walnut sized gland that produces 60 - 65% of saliva volume and is located beneath the mandible in the sub Mandibular fossa posterior to the sublingual gland. Passes through Wharton’s duct.

Hard palate

Forms the anterior aspect of the palate and is covered with masticatory mucosa

Soft palate

Posterior portion of the palate that is mobile for swallowing and speech. Made up of muscle fibers and covered by a mucous membrane.

Palatine rugae

Irregular Ridges or folds in the mucosa on the plate just behind the maxillary central incisors

Incisive papilla

Pear shaped pad of tissue located directly behind the maxillary central incisors

Uvula

Extension at the back of the soft palate that hangs above the throat and helps in swallowing

Gag reflex

Involuntary protective mechanism located in the posterior region of the mouth. Overly sensitive area that includes the soft palate, the uvula surrounding tissue and posterior portion of the tongue.

Lining Mucosa

Covers the inside of the cheeks, vestibule, lips, ventral surface of the tongue, and soft palate and is delicate, thin, and easily injured.

Masticatory mucosa

Covers the gingiva, hard palate and top portion of the tongue and is attached to the bone. Very dense and designed to withstand the vigorous activity of chewing and swallowing food.

Frenum

Narrow band of tissue that connects 2 structures

Lingual Frenum

Passes from the floor of the mouth to the midline of the ventral border of the tongue

Labial Frenum

Passes from the oral mucosa at the midline of the maxillary arch to the midline of the inner surface of the upper lip.