Lips and Vestibule
The human mouth features two muscular lips that act as gateways to the oral cavity. These lips mark the transition from skin to moist mucous membrane. The vestibule, known in English as the vestibule, is the area located between the soft tissues (the lips and cheeks) and the teeth and gums. It is noteworthy that this area remains moist due to the secretions from the parotid salivary glands, which are situated in front of the ears and behind the jaw.
Oral Cavity
The oral cavity is surrounded by several structures, including the alveolar arches, which are bony structures housing the teeth. These arches enclose the oral cavity from the front and sides, while the hard palate forms the upper boundary, and the tongue occupies the lower space. It is important to mention that moisture in the oral cavity is maintained through secretions from the sublingual and submandibular salivary glands.
Gums and Teeth
The gums consist of dense fibrous tissue that supports the alveolar arches and teeth. Throughout human life, there are two sets of teeth. In childhood, individuals have 20 primary teeth, commonly referred to as milk teeth. These begin to fall out around the ages of 6 to 7, gradually being replaced by permanent teeth. By approximately age 21, an average individual typically has 32 permanent teeth, with 16 in the upper jaw and 16 in the lower jaw.
Tongue
The tongue forms the lower part of the mouth. While many people may perceive the tongue as a muscle, it is actually an organ composed of epithelial tissue, skeletal muscle, nerve tissue, and connective tissue. The tongue features papillae, or small projections, that aid in grasping and maneuvering food within the mouth. Additionally, it contains taste buds that contribute to the sense of taste by detecting chemical compounds in food. The tongue also plays a vital role in speech by controlling airflow through the mouth.
Palate
The palate, or roof of the mouth, consists of two parts: the hard palate and the soft palate. The hard palate is formed by the undersurface of the jaw bones and palatine bones, which are coated with a thin layer of connective tissue and mucous membranes. The soft palate, in contrast, is a flexible mass of tissue that ends in the uvula. The soft and hard palates together separate the mouth from the nasal cavity.
Salivary Glands
The oral cavity and vestibule are lined with mucous membranes that host numerous small salivary glands. These glands are responsible for filling the mouth with saliva, keeping it moist, and helping to cleanse it of food particles and debris. The moist environment of the mouth, along with the enzymes in saliva, facilitates swallowing and initiates the digestive process.