Mouth & Esophagus

How many teeth do toddlers have compared to adults?  

Toddlers have 20 teeth; adults have 32 teeth.

In what order do children's teeth come in?  

Incisors come first, followed by canines and molars.

When do additional molars come in after childhood?  

During the teenage years and early twenties.

What digestive structures are found in the mouth besides teeth?  

Salivary glands, hard palate, soft palate, uvula, and tongue.

What does saliva contain?  

99% water, mucus, amylase, lysozymes, and antibodies.

What is the function of the hard palate?  

Forms the bony roof of the mouth.

What is the function of the soft palate?  

Forms the rest of the mouth’s roof (softer part).

What is the function of the uvula?  

Prevents food from entering the nasal cavity during swallowing.

What role does the tongue play in digestion?  

Pushes food down toward the esophagus.

What is deglutition?  

The process of swallowing.

What are the two phases of deglutition?  

The buccal phase and the pharyngeal-esophageal phase.

What happens during the buccal phase?  

The tongue forces the bolus (chewed food mixed with saliva) into the pharynx.

What happens during the pharyngeal-esophageal phase?  

The epiglottis blocks the larynx and the uvula blocks the nasal cavity, directing the bolus to the esophagus.

What is peristalsis?  

Waves of muscle contractions that propel the bolus down the esophagus.

What structure prevents food from entering the respiratory system during swallowing?  

The epiglottis.