Mouth

Mouth
This article is about the anatomical structure. For other uses, see Mouth (disambiguation).
Mouth
Illu01 head neck.jpg
Head and neck.
Mouth.jpg
A closed human female mouth
Latin os, cavitas oralis
MeSH Oral+cavity

The mouth is the first portion of the alimentary canal that receives food and saliva.[1] The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane epithelium lining the inside of the mouth.

In addition to its primary role as the beginning of the digestive system, in humans the mouth also plays a significant role in communication. While primary aspects of the voice are produced in the throat, the tongue, lips, and jaw are also needed to produce the range of sounds included in human language. Another non-digestive function of the mouth is its role in secondary social and/or sexual activity, such as kissing.

The mouth, normally moist, is lined with a mucous membrane, and contains the teeth. The lips mark the transition from mucous membrane to skin, which covers most of the body.

Contents

In Humans

Mouth cavity

Illustration of the inside of a human mouth. Cheeks have been cut and lips pulled back for an unobstructed view.

The first space of the mouth is the mouth cavity, bounded laterally and in front by the alveolar arches (containing the teeth), and posteriorily by the isthmus of the fauces. The oral cavity is also known as the mouth which swallows food and drinks that then go down the esophagus and into the stomach.

Function

The mouth plays an important role in ,eating, drinking, and breathing. Infants are born with a sucking reflex, by which they instinctively know to suck for nourishment using their lips and jaw.

Cultural aspects

According to Western etiquette, the mouth is kept closed, especially when chewing.

Lips can be adorned with lipstick or lip gloss, although in most cultures this is typically only practiced by females. Both men and women, however, apply lip balm in order to soothe chapped or dry lips.

Piercings in or around the mouth have been made popular by younger generations, including those on the lip or tongue. The uvula piercing, while increasing in popularity, remains relatively rare.

Development

The philtrum is the vertical groove in the upper lip, formed where the nasomedial and maxillary processes meet during embryo development. When these processes fail to fuse fully, a hare lip and/or cleft palate can result.

The nasolabial folds are the deep creases of tissue that extend from the nose to the sides of the mouth. One of the first signs of age on the human face is the increase in prominence of the nasolabial folds.

In non-human animals

Alligators are known for their large mouths and sharp teeth

Some animal phyla, including vertebrates, have a complete digestive system, with a mouth at one end and an anus at the other. Which end forms first in ontogeny is a criterion used to classify animals into protostome and deuterostome. The first space of the mouth is the mouth cavity, bounded laterally and in front by the alveolar arches (containing the teeth), and posteriorly by the isthmus of the fauces.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Maton, Anthea; Jean Hopkins, Charles William McLaughlin, Susan Johnson, Maryanna Quon Warner, David LaHart, Jill D. Wright (1993). Human Biology and Health. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, USA: Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-981176-1. 

External links

v · d · eHuman regional anatomy (TA A01.1)
Head
Forehead · Ear · Jaw · Face (Cheek, Eye, Nose, Mouth, Chin) · Occiput · Scalp · Temple
 Skeleton2.jpg
Neck
Trunk
Chest (Breast) · Abdomen (Navel) · Back · Pelvis (Sex organs)
Limbs

Shoulder · Axilla · Arm

Elbow · Forearm

Wrist · Hand · Finger (Thumb · Index · Middle · Ring · Little)
Lower limb/
(see also leg)

Hip · Buttocks · Thigh

Knee · Calf · Crus

Ankle · Heel · Foot · Toe (Hallux · Long  • Third  • Fourth  • Fifth) · Sole
General anatomy: systems and organs, regional anatomy, planes and lines, superficial axial anatomy, superficial anatomy of limbs
v · d · eHead and neck anatomy, digestive system: Mouth anatomy (TA A05.1–2, TH H3.04.01, GA 11.1110–2, 1125–1141)
Mouth
Oral cavity
(including
mucosa)

Lip (Upper, Lower, Vermilion border, Frenulum of lower lip, Labial commissure of mouth, Philtrum)

Cheek (Buccal fat pad)
Teeth
see tooth anatomy
dorsum (Taste bud, Median sulcus, Terminal sulcus, Foramen cecum, Lingual tonsils) · underside (Frenulum, Fimbriated fold, Sublingual caruncle) · Anterior · Posterior · Glossoepiglottic folds · Lingual septum
Oro-pharynx/
fauces

M: MOU

anat/devp

noco/cofa(c)/cogi/tumr, sysi

proc (peri), drug (A1)
Stub icon This anatomy article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.