Nose, Mouth, and Throat Examination

Flashcards summarizing key vocabulary terms related to the anatomy and examination of the nose, mouth, and throat.

Hard palate

The bony anterior part of the roof of the mouth that separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity.

Soft palate

The mobile posterior part of the roof of the mouth, consisting of muscle and tissue.

Uvula

A free projection hanging from the middle of the soft palate, playing a role in speech and swallowing.

Tonsils

Masses of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the throat, involved in immune response.

Tonsils graded in size as follows:

• 1+ Visible

• 2+ Halfway between tonsillar pillars and uvula

• 3+ Touching uvula

• 4+ Touching each other

Salivary glands

Glands in the mouth that produce saliva to aid in digestion and maintain oral hygiene.

Teeth

all 20 teeth should appear by 2 ½

Epistaxis

The medical term for nosebleeds.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, which can indicate various conditions affecting the throat.

Nasal Polyps

Noncancerous growths in the nasal passages that can cause obstruction and difficulty breathing.

Uvula

Normally looks like fleshy pendant hanging in midline; ask a

person to say “ahhh” and note soft palate and uvula rise in

midline

Epstein Pearls

Small, white cysts found on the gums or roof of the mouth in newborns, often harmless and resolve on their own.