The anatomy of the mouth
The anatomy of the mouth consists of several organs that have different functions. These various organs will support the function of the mouth for speaking, breathing, and starting the journey of food and drink into the digestive system.
 |
| Anatomy of the Mouth, Get to Know the Parts and Their Functions |
The mouth is a part of the body that has the main function as a means of communication when speaking, inhaling and exhaling air when breathing, as well as being the part of the body that starts the process of digestion of food.
As a means of communication, the lips and tongue play a role in forming the sounds that come out when speaking. Meanwhile, as part of the digestive system, the mouth functions to cut food into smaller sizes and crush it. That way, food will be more easily digested and absorbed by the next digestive organs.
The anatomy of the mouth and the organs that form it have functions that are related to each other. If one of the organs in the mouth is disturbed, the function of the mouth in the process of communicating and digesting food will also be disrupted.
Mouth Anatomy and Its Functions
There are 7 organs that make up the anatomy of the mouth, starting from the lips on the outside to the roof of the mouth on the inside.
The following is an explanation of the organs that make up the anatomy of the mouth and their functions:
1. Lips
Lips consist of 2 parts, namely the upper lip and the lower lip. Lips have sensory nerves that can detect the temperature and texture of the food to be consumed.
Apart from that, lips also play an important role in the communication process. Lip movements when speaking can create various sounds when you pronounce words. Not only that, lips can also keep food in the mouth when chewing.
2. Teeth
Another organ that forms the anatomy of the mouth is the teeth. This organ functions to cut food into smaller pieces so that they are easier to digest. Adults have 32 permanent teeth, while children have 20 milk teeth which will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth.
There are four types of teeth with different functions, namely:
- The incisors are located at the front of the mouth and function to cut food. Adults have 8 incisors, namely 4 in the upper oral cavity and 4 in the lower oral cavity.
- The canines are next to the incisors and have the function of crushing food. In adults, there are 2 canine teeth each in the upper and lower oral cavities.
- Premolar teeth, located between the canines and molars, are useful for chewing and grinding food. There are 8 premolars in adults, 4 are located in the upper oral cavity and 4 are located in the lower oral cavity.
- Molars are at the very back of the mouth and have the same function as premolars. Adults have 8 molars, namely 4 each in the upper and lower oral cavities.
3. Gums
Gums are pink and located above and below the teeth. Gums are an anatomical part of the mouth that lines the roots of the teeth and jaw bones, and protects these two organs.
Apart from that, gums also function to support and keep teeth straight. Therefore, disorders of the gums can affect the shape of the teeth. Even certain gum diseases, such as periodontitis, can cause tooth loss.
4. Tongue
The tongue is a collection of boneless muscles located at the floor of the mouth. Together with the lips, the tongue also plays a role in the communication process. In the digestive process, the tongue functions to help swallow food and direct food to the teeth when chewing.
Apart from that, the tongue also functions as a sense of taste. Small spots (papillae) located on the surface of the tongue have nerve sensors to recognize salty, sweet, bitter, savory and sour tastes.
5. Mucous membrane (mucosa)
Mucous membranes or mucous membranes are found throughout the digestive organs, as well as the inside of the mouth, nose, anus and vagina. In the mouth, the mucous membranes are on the inside of the lips and cheeks. This membrane functions to keep the mouth from drying out.
6. Salivary glands
In the mouth, there are 6 salivary glands whose function is to produce saliva. These glands are located in the cheeks, under the tongue, and in the lower jaw near the front teeth.
The saliva produced by these glands has many functions, such as preventing dry mouth and throat, softening food to be swallowed, maintaining the acidity level (pH) of the mouth, and protecting the mouth from bacteria.
Apart from that, saliva also plays a role in the process of digestion of food in the mouth. Saliva contains the enzyme amylase which is useful for helping the process of digesting carbohydrates.
7. Palate
The roof of the mouth (palate) is a part of the anatomy of the mouth that separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. Apart from that, the roof of the mouth also functions to help the process of swallowing food.
The roof of the mouth is divided into 2 parts. The hard part is at the front and connects directly to the teeth, while the soft part is at the back and connects to the esophagus.
How to Maintain Oral Health
A clean and healthy mouth will prevent various oral diseases, including oral cancer. Here are several ways you can maintain the health of the organs that make up the anatomy of the mouth:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
- Clean your tongue when brushing your teeth
- Do not smoke
- Drink lots of water
- Reduce consumption of sugar and acidic foods
- Limit consumption of coffee and tea
- Use mouthwash that contains antibacterial
- Use dental floss at least once a day to remove food residue between your teeth
Apart from the methods above, there are also other ways that are no less important for maintaining oral health, namely consulting a dentist every 6 months.
Read more about: 5 characteristics of oral cancer and how to treat them
The anatomy of the mouth consists of various organs that have important functions in the process of communication and digestion of food. So that the organs that make up the anatomy of the mouth continue to function optimally, it is important to care for and maintain their health.
Related Searches:
- anatomy of the mouth,
- anatomy of the mouth and throat,
- anatomy of the mouth and teeth,
- anatomy of the mouth and jaw,
- anatomy of the mouth and tongue,
- the anatomy of the mouth,
- anatomy of the mouth intubation,
- anatomy of the mouth pharynx esophagus stomach small intestine,
- how to change the anatomy of the mouth with genenitical engeniere,
- anatomy of the mouth inferior labial frenulum receding treatment,
- sagittal section of the oral cavity and pharynx anatomy of the mouth,
