Oral anatomy

Abstract

The oral cavity consists of an outer vestibule and an inner oral cavity proper. It is bound anteriorly by the lips, laterally by the cheek mucosa, inferiorly by the floor of the mouth, posteriorly by the oropharynx, and superiorly by the hard and soft palate. In addition to being a site for mastication and propulsion of bolus, enzyme release and salivation concurrently occur in order to initiate the digestive process. Additional roles of the oral cavity include tissue mobility and lubrication for speech and swallowing, vital chemosensory functioning, and an alternative respiratory passage.