Anatomy of Bone and Facial Landmarks

These flashcards cover key terminology related to bones, facial landmarks, and oral anatomy, helping students understand the relevant concepts for their upcoming exam.

Mandibular tori

Bony overgrowths in the mandible that provide extra support, more common than palatine tori.

Palatine tori

Bony overgrowths located on the roof of the mouth, but less common than mandibular tori.

Sinuses

Hollow spaces within the bones of the skull, including the frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid bones, that serve to lighten the skull and provide resonance to the voice.

Maxillary sinuses

Air-filled spaces located inside the maxilla adjacent to the posterior teeth, often visible on X-ray.

Vermilion border

The edge of the lip, which is darker in color, marking the junction between the lips and the skin.

Nasolabial groove

The groove that runs from the edge of the nose to the corner of the mouth.

Labial commissure

The point where the upper and lower lips meet at the corners of the mouth.

Hard palate

The firm anterior part of the roof of the mouth covered with mucosa.

Soft palate

The flexible back part of the roof of the mouth that helps with swallowing and speech.

Incisive papilla

A small piece of tissue covering the incisive foramen located behind the incisal edges of the front teeth.

Rugae

Transverse folds on the hard palate, which enhance tactile sensation and assist in speech.

Uvula

A small fleshy structure that hangs at the back of the throat, associated with gag reflex.

Tonsils

Lymphoid tissues located in the oropharynx, with anterior and posterior pillars marking their regions.

Buccal mucosa

The lining of the inner cheeks in the mouth.

Vestibule

The space between the cheek and teeth, both maxillary and mandibular.

Linea alba

A thin white line on the buccal mucosa that forms due to occlusal pressure from the teeth.

Parotid papilla

A small flap of tissue next to the second molar on the upper jaw that protects the Stenson's duct.

Foramen

An opening or hole in the bone that serves as a passage for nerves and vessels.

Ankylosed

A condition where the tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth, often called a tongue tie.

Geographic tongue

An inflammatory condition of the tongue characterized by irregular patches and changes in texture.

Black hairy tongue

A condition where the filiform papillae become elongated and discolored, typically due to poor oral hygiene or antibiotic use.

Fissured tongue

A condition with deep grooves on the surface of the tongue, often requiring special care.