Oral cavity: structure and functions. What organs are located in a person’s oral cavity: structure (anatomy), functions and sections with diagram, environment in the mouth

The digestive system begins with oral cavity. Here mechanical processing of incoming food is carried out.

The surface of the mouth is covered with a mucous membrane, designed to protect it from any irritants.

The structure and design of the oral mucosa is very complex and has its own character traits, distinguishing it from other organs of the human body.

All these unique features allow the shell to perform a large number of functions.

Histology of the mucous membrane

The oral cavity is enveloped in a membrane. It covers inner side cheeks, lips, alveolar processes, palate, tongue and floor. It is constantly moistened due to work and has characteristic properties in its structure and implements functional tasks.

The most important functional actions:

Protection. It protects the coating from mechanical stress, from harmful bacteria and microbes that enter with food.
Improved digestion. Salivary glands produce saliva, which helps digest food.
Feel. It helps to recognize taste, temperature, swallow food and respond to external stimuli.
Regulate heat. Breathing through your mouth helps you warm your hands or regulate your body temperature.
Maintaining immunity. The mouth contains cells that affect the overall immunity of the body.
Suction. Some trace elements and medications can be absorbed through the oral cavity.

The mouth covering can perform all these functions due to its unique structure. The surface structure is quite heterogeneous and complex. IN separate parts it can move and is pliable, but in others it is immobile.

The following layers of the oral mucosa are distinguished:

epithelial layer;
directly mucous layer;
submucosal layer.

The entire shell is enveloped in a flat epithelial layer, which has many layers. In different parts of the cavity it has a different structure. In areas of the soft tissue, lips, cheeks and bottom, it consists of a basal layer and a layer with spines and is not capable of keratinization. Areas of the hard palate and gums are covered with granular and horny layers, because have the ability to keratinize.

The process of hardening and exfoliation of particles occurs due to the fact that individual areas are mechanical impact. This is the result of a response to irritation. Almost half of the entire area of the mouth is susceptible to keratinization.

The thickness of the epithelium varies by different areas. Places where the impact of external irritants is minimal - the bottom of the mouth, the lower part of the tongue and lips - the cover is very thin. In other areas it is much thicker. As a person ages, the thickness of the layer changes. In childhood it is very thin, then gradually thickens and thins again in old age.

After the epithelial layer comes the mucous layer. Its basis is connective tissue. With the help of papillary-shaped elevations, it passes into the epithelial layer. Each papilla is equipped with many nerve fibers and blood vessels. Thanks to this connection of the two layers, nutrients are exchanged between them and they are firmly united.

The mucous layer contains glands of salivary secretion, sebaceous secretion and lymph nodules. This layer smoothly flows into the submucosal layer. It is transformed into loose connective tissue containing the smallest glands of salivary secretion and vessels of the hematopoietic system.

The submucosa contains a type of fat cells that are responsible for the ability to move. This layer is characteristic of areas not subject to keratinization - the bottom of the mouth, cheeks and lips.

Innervation of the oral cavity

The inner lining of the mouth is penetrated by a huge number of nerve endings and fibers. Thanks to them, nerve impulses are transmitted to central departments brain. The sensory function of the mouth allows a person to sense the taste, shape, and temperature of external stimuli.

All the fibers along which the impulses travel are connected to the main nerves of the oral surface:

The structure and direction of nerve fibers is similar to the trunks of blood vessels. The fibers are located in the mucous layer and are intricately intertwined with each other, forming nerve endings.

Some of them come out to the papillary processes and connect to the epithelial layer, some of them unite with the cells above and come out to top edge. Such a complex network of fibers and nerve endings covers the entire coating structure in all its layers.

A complex system of nerve endings allows the oral cavity to have very strong sensitivity and respond to the slightest irritation. She is a unique organ human body, through which he learns about the world around him.

Blood supply and lymphatic drainage

The membrane is equipped with an abundance of blood vessels. They look like arteries that are located in the submucosal layer and run parallel to the mucous layer. The arteries branch with branches perpendicular to the mucous layer. Most of the processes are present in the layer of papillae and are very densely intertwined near the epithelium.

Capillaries differ in their structure depending on their location. The capillaries of the bottom of the mucous membrane and gums have fenestrated epithelium, and on the cheeks the lining is continuous. The vessels located along the venous bed are similar to the main arteries.

The cavity is also equipped with lymph drainage. Vessels lymphatic system begin with small capillaries with a wide lumen. They are located at the papillae connecting the mucous and epithelial layers. Gradually, the lymph capillaries unite into vessels and are directed similarly to blood vessels. The junctions of all vessels are The lymph nodes. All lymph from the membrane is transferred to the submandibular or cervical lymph node.

The mouth has a highly developed blood supply system. This allows it to quickly regenerate and renew keratinized particles. With good blood flow, the oral lining can perform functions such as protection, absorption and immune support.

Structure of the oral cavity

Let us consider in detail each component of the oral cavity, its structure, purpose and functions.

Lip

The labial mucosa is similar to the oral cavity. This part is not adapted to keratinization. There are practically no sebaceous glands here and salivary glands predominate. They have complex structure in the form of tubes, and secrete a more mucous secretion.

In small children, the lips are relatively thicker, but at the same time they have a thinner epithelial cover. The main features and structure of the lips develop gradually, and this process ends at about 16 years of age. As the body grows, changes also appear in the structure of the lips. The papillae between the layers are smoothed out, the collagen fibers become thinner and a lot of adipose tissue is formed in the submucosal layer.

The lips are equipped with many nerve endings. Thanks to this, the lips are very sensitive. There are frenulums on the upper and lower sides of the lips. These frenulums include collagen and elastic fibers. When attached closely to the gums, frenulums can affect the mobility of teeth and contribute to their displacement.

Cheek

The buccal covering is similar in structure to the oral membrane and serves as its continuation. It contains a thick epithelial layer that is not capable of keratinization. The mucous membrane is formed by dense connective tissue with elastic fibers. This layer gradually flows into the submucosal layer and is tightly attached to the muscle fibers.

The presence of elastic fibers in its composition, as well as a strong connection with muscle fibers, allows the surface of the cheeks to have the ability to be smooth and elastic. In the submucosal layer there are adipose tissue and smallish salivary glands. Fat deposits and the glands can form clusters that can be mistaken for a tumor.

Upon examination, the covering on the cheeks and lips has a fairly smooth surface. But upon closer examination, you can see several characteristic properties. On the side in the area of the second molar on top there is a papilla with an opening through which saliva flows from the parotid salivary gland. In the center of the top and lower lip there are folds or frenulums that serve as a border for the right and left halves of the mouth.

At the level where the teeth meet, the buccal mucosa is slightly different from other areas. There are no salivary glands here, but sebaceous glands are present and the epithelial cover is capable of keratinization. In infants after birth, this part is covered with villi, similar to the villi on the red border.

The cheeks are well supplied with blood. Blood flow occurs due to small salivary glands and cells. The mucous membrane of the cheeks contains a network of small blood vessels that are densely intertwined and supply blood to the cheeks.

The surface of the hard palate separate areas unable to move. This is due to the fact that in these sections it is tightly fused with the palatine bones. The submucosal layer is also absent in these places.

Among the fixed areas are:

area adjacent to the tooth or marginal zone;
section in the area of the suture in the palate, where the mucosa is fused with the periosteum.

In other areas of the hard palate there is a submucosal layer. In areas in front there is adipose tissue, and in distant areas - big number small salivary glands.

The entire area of the hard palate is divided into 4 sections:

fatty;
glandular;
seam area;
edge zone.

The mucous layer is expressed by connective tissue with the presence of collagen fibers. It is entirely covered with an epithelial layer with many layers and the ability to harden and exfoliate scales. The connection between the mucous and epithelial layers occurs with the help of high papillae with sharp tips.

The area of the hard palate has several irregularities. Near the incisors in front, there is a papilla on the suture at the anterior end. In this area, blood vessels and nerve fibers pass through the bone. There are also transverse stripes in the front part of the seam. They are quite clearly visible in small children, but as they grow older they become smooth and barely noticeable.

The blood flow to the palate passes through the arteries. Through the papilla of the anterior incisors, blood flows to small branches in the mucosa, and then scatters into capillaries in the submucosal layer. Then the capillaries again carry the blood to the veins.

The area of the hard palate in front is washed with blood from the incisive artery, similarly, blood leaves through the incisive vein and the vein of the nasal cavity. There are a lot of lymph vessels here, through which lymph drainage occurs. The hard palate is also rich in nerve endings. The main number of nerve fibers are present in the mucous membranes of the anterior section.

Soft sky

The soft palate has the appearance of a fibrous plate on which striated muscles and mucous membrane are attached. It is covered with a shell on all sides. There is a small process on it - a tongue.

The surface of the palate and uvula below is covered with a flat epithelial layer, which is not capable of keratinization. The mucous layer is formed by connective tissue. At the transition between the mucous and submucosal layers there is a large number of elastic fibers. The submucosal covering of the soft palate contains the ends of many salivary secretion glands, their apices pass through the open part of the mucosa.

The distant portion of the soft palate extends toward the nasopharynx and is covered with a multirow epithelial layer that is exclusive to the tract respiratory system. In small children, multirow epithelium is also present on the distant part of the uvula. But with age, it is replaced by a multilayered one, and in an adult, the uvula is covered on all sides with a regular epithelial layer.

It is well supplied with blood through many vessels of the circulatory system. The capillaries are located near the edge of the mucosa and cause the red color. Lymph drainage in the soft palate is carried out thanks to lymph nodes.

- this is a plot oral membrane, covering the alveolar processes of the jaws and touching the teeth. It consists of a multilayered epithelial cover that can become keratinized. The process of keratinization noticeably occurs on the vestibular part of the gum; on the oral side, parakeratosis very often occurs.

The mucous layer of the gums is very similar to the dermis of the skin. It consists of two layers:

a layer of papillae made of loose connective tissue;
a mesh-like layer consisting of dense tissue and an abundance of collagen fibers.

The papillae have complex structure, different shapes and size. In some parts they form branches. It is through them that the main network of vessels of the circulatory system and the endings of the nervous system passes.

The submucosal layer and salivary glands are practically absent. The mucous membrane grows into the periosteum of the alveolar jaw processes. In the area of the dental neck, fibers of the circular dental ligament grow into the mucous layer, and as a result, the gums are able to adhere closely to the teeth.

The area that is fused with the periosteum is called the attached gingiva. The area of gum that lies freely near the tooth and is separated from it by a section in the form of a gap is called free gum.

The attached and free gums are separated by a groove. It runs along the edge of the gum at a distance of 0.5-1.5 mm and characterizes the gingival crevice. The area of gum between the teeth is called the interdental papilla. They are covered with stratified epithelium, but keratinization often turns into parakeratosis.

From the alveolar processes, the gums smoothly flow into the membrane covering the jaws. At the transition there is an uneven, loose epithelial cover. The surface of the jaws further connects with the periosteum and flows into the folds of the lips or cheeks, the marginal zone of the hard palate or the floor of the mouth.

The gum gap is the distance between the tooth and the free edge of the gum. IN healthy condition the bottom of this gap reaches the level of the cervical enamel or cementoenamel border. The epithelium in the gingival crevice is firmly attached to the tooth. This site of attachment is called the epithelial attachment.

This attachment plays a huge role in protecting the tissues around the tooth from various infections and impacts external environment. As a result of the destruction of the epithelium of the gingival crevice, the connective tissue is exposed, and the gap widens into a pocket. The epithelium begins to grow along the tooth root and periodontal fibers are destroyed. The consequence of this is loosening and loss of teeth.

It is an organ made of muscles. It is surrounded by mucous membrane, which in some parts fuses with the muscles.

On the back above and on the surfaces on the sides, the submucosal covering is practically absent. It is in these parts that fusion with muscles occurs. The mucous membrane does not move here and does not form folds.

On the part of the tongue on top there is stratified epithelium, and characteristic protrusions called . Their epithelium contains taste buds. On the lower part, the stratified epithelium is smooth, does not undergo the process of keratinization, and has a characteristic submucosa.

The tongue papillae are divided into 4 types:

in the form of threads;
in the form of mushrooms;
in the form of leaves;
surrounded by a groove.

The filiform papillae are the most numerous. They are present on the entire dorsum of the tongue. They are formed from protrusions of loose tissue of the mucous membrane. In addition, the growths also entail a number of secondary projections, reminiscent of thin fibers. They are equipped with several peaks.

The epithelium on the papillae can become keratinized. Keratinized scales are characterized by a white color. The process of keratinization proceeds faster in the event of an increase in a person’s body temperature and disturbances in the digestive process.

The mushroom-shaped protrusions got their name from characteristic shape with a long base and wide apex. They envelop the epithelium, which does not keratinize. Blood vessels pass through them very close to the surface. Therefore, the mushroom-shaped papillae, when viewed enlarged, look like red dots. They also contain taste buds.

Leaf-shaped - are parallel folds located on the sides of the tongue and are separated by narrow grooves. Usually their number reaches 8 pieces with a length of up to 5 mm.

Such nipples are clearly visible in small children and some animals. The leaf-like projections are covered with epithelium and contain many taste buds. These bulbs oval shape and consist of epithelial cells tightly connected to each other.

Main cells of taste buds:

sensoroepithelial;
supportive;
basal;
peripheral.

Microvilli extend from the sensoroepithelial cells and flow into the taste canal. This channel is presented on the surface of the epithelium in the form of a taste pore. Between the villi there is Chemical substance, which reacts to chemical compounds and affects nerve impulses. For each taste bulb there are more than fifty nerve fibers. On the front part of the tongue there are bulbs that recognize sweet taste, on the back – bitter.

The last type of papillae is grooved. They are located on the border between the main part of the language and its root. Their distinctive feature is that they are not visible on the surface of the tongue, but are hidden in its depths.

All protrusions are surrounded by mucous membrane and separated from it by a deep groove. This groove is where the protein glands drain from muscle tissue at the base of the papillae. The epithelium around these projections contains many taste bulbs.

The salivary glands are located in the tongue:

mixed type in the anterior section;
mucous secretion glands at the root of the tongue;
protein secretion glands on the border between the main part and the root of the tongue.

Blood flow is provided by the lingual artery. They branch into a dense network of capillaries. Venous vessels run on the lower part of the tongue. The lymph flow is well developed. It passes through the vessels through bottom surface language.

The lingual tonsil is a collection of nodules in the lymphatic system. It is included, together with other tonsils, in the lymphoepithelial ring, which protects the entire body. The tonsil is covered with non-keratinizing epithelium, which forms crypts or depressions. At the bottom of these depressions there are ducts of the lingual glands of salivary secretion.

Pathological processes

Various things can happen on the mucous membrane pathological processes, they are all divided into the following types:

inflammatory;
tumor.

Inflammation is the body's response to an external stimulus. It can be acute or chronic. Based on morphological characteristics, three forms can be distinguished:

alternative;
exudative;
productive.

Defects may occur in the oral cavity, depending on influencing factors:

Superficial. In the form of erosions, when only the upper cover of the epithelium is damaged and the basal layer is not affected. In such cases it is possible full recovery surfaces after treatment.
Deep. In the form of ulcers, they affect the epithelial and connective tissue oral cavity. After treatment, the healing process occurs, but scars remain.

Any pathological processes affect the condition of the oral surface. Changes occur here that mainly affect the processes of keratinization of the epithelium.

Main pathologies:

The oral surface requires careful hygiene and periodic examinations for characteristic formations. Any changes in the mouth are a manifestation of one or another disease.

Pathologies in the mouth can be the causes of the following diseases:

dental;
venereal;
skin diseases;
disturbance in metabolic processes of substances;
diseases of internal organs;
diseases of the circulatory system, etc.

Conclusion

The mucosa is a separate organ of the human body. It has several layers and covers the entire surface of the mouth. In different areas, the membrane varies in its thickness and ability to become keratinized.

The oral membrane is well supplied with blood and carries out lymph drainage. In all its sections there are nerve fibers, thanks to which the entire surface has good sensitivity.

By various reasons are formed in the oral cavity pathological changes. Their localization and the nature of the formations indicate the cause of their occurrence. Any changes require immediate treatment.

The oral cavity (cavum oris, if we use Latin) is considered part of the digestive tract, its initial section. This is the place where the food processing process starts; the health of other gastrointestinal organs largely depends on its condition. Anatomically, it is divided into the vestibule and the oral cavity itself.

Vestibule of the mouth

The vestibule is the space between the lips and teeth. Its main function is to capture food.

Lips

A muscular organ consisting of several sections:

The skin (outer) part covered with epithelium. Includes sweat and sebaceous glands.
The intermediate part is the transition of the epithelium into the mucosa, with a large number of blood vessels and nerve endings.
Mucous – rear end, containing the ducts of the salivary glands.

Lips are a muscular organ. In their thickness is located orbicularis muscle, thanks to which they move, grab food, stretch out in a smile, and participate in pronouncing sounds.

Cheeks

Paired formations containing buccal muscles. External side The cheeks are covered by skin, the inner - mucous membrane. They also contain fatty bodies (the so-called “Bishat lumps”), which are involved in the sucking process, and therefore are most developed in infants.

Teeth

Teeth are designed for biting and grinding food. There are 28-32 of them in total; The structure of the teeth is the same - it is a pulp containing nerves and blood vessels, dentin, and enamel. The teeth are combined into several groups:

biting incisors;
fangs for tearing food;
premolars, molars, grinding and grinding food.

Quality primary processing food largely depends on the health of the teeth, their location, and bite.

Oral cavity

The oral cavity itself is limited by the soft and hard palate, back walls teeth, the bottom where the tongue is located.

Sky

Upper border of the oral cavity. The palate can be hard or soft:

Solid sky - bone wall, which is the border between the mouth and nasal cavity. Formed by the maxillary and palatine bones.
The soft palate is a mucous fold located above the base of the tongue. Separates the oral cavity and pharynx.

Language

A muscle that occupies almost the entire oral cavity. Covered with a mucous membrane on which there are papillae with receptors that determine taste sensitivity:

filamentous - the most numerous;
cone-shaped, with receptors sensitive to pain and temperature;
mushroom-shaped, located at the root of the tongue;
leaf-shaped.

After the receptors of the tongue react to food moistened with saliva, the entire digestive system. In addition, the tongue takes part in the pronunciation of sounds and salivation.

Tonsils

Formations of lymphoid tissue involved in the formation of immunity. Most often, they are the first to encounter bacteria and viruses that have entered the oral cavity and nasopharynx, and retain them, trying to prevent them from entering the body. In addition, tonsils take part in hematopoiesis.

Mucous membrane

The mucous membrane covering inner surface, is distinguished by its ability to regenerate. Inside the oral mucosa are salivary glands that produce secretions necessary for digesting food (saliva). There are several types of salivary glands:

parotid - located below the ears;
sublingual - located on the lateral walls of the tongue;
submandibular.

Saliva contains inorganic (phosphates, chlorides) and organic compounds:

mucin envelops the bolus of food, thereby promoting its movement;
maltase, amylase – digestive enzymes;
Lysocine neutralizes pathogenic microorganisms.

Functions

The structure of the oral cavity determines the performance of a number of important functions:

This is the beginning of the digestive tract, where the process of food processing begins with the participation of lips, teeth, tongue, and saliva. The health of the remaining organs of the gastrointestinal tract will depend on how well this process goes.
Speech function – speech formation, sound pronunciation, articulation.
Analyzer room. The structure of the human mucosa lining the oral cavity allows us to analyze the temperature of food, its taste, and determine its consistency. Receptors located on the cheeks, tongue, and palate send appropriate signals to the central nervous system.
Protective. It is carried out through the tonsils, which are involved in the formation of immunity. In addition, the peculiarities of the composition of saliva allow it to neutralize harmful substances, entering the mouth from the outside, to prevent their penetration into the gastrointestinal tract.
Respiratory. This function is not typical, since breathing normally should be carried out through the nose. However, if nasal breathing difficult, it is replaced by the oral one.

The soft palate consists of a fibrous plate - palatine aponeurosis (aponeurosis palatina), to which the muscles of the soft palate are attached. Anteriorly, the aponeurosis is attached to the bony palate. Mucous membrane covers the soft palate above and below. The mucous membrane lining the soft palate from the side of the oral cavity is covered with stratified squamous non-keratinizing epithelium, and from the side of the nasal cavity - multi-row ciliated epithelium. Numerous mucous glands lie in the submucosa. In some places, the bodies of the mucous glands lie between the muscle bundles of the soft palate. The excretory ducts of the glands open on the oral surface of the palate.

The posterior edge of the soft palate in the middle has a protrusion hanging down - uvula palatina (uvula palatina). Both surfaces of the uvula in adults are covered with stratified squamous epithelium. Lateral to the uvula, the posterior edge of the soft palate forms on each side a pair of palatine arches, which are folds of the mucous membrane with muscles embedded in them. Front, palatoglossus (arcus palatoglossus) goes from the middle part of the soft palate to the lateral surface of the posterior part of the tongue. Rear, palatopharyngeal arch (arcus palatopharyngeum), directed to the lateral wall of the pharynx.

A triangular depression is formed between the palatoglossus and palatopharyngeal arches - tonsil fossa (fossa tonsillaris). The lower part of the tonsillar fossa is more recessed, it is called tonsil sinus (sinus tonsillaris). In it lies tonsil(Fig. 103). There is a small depression above the tonsil - supratonsillar fossa (fossa supratonsillaris).

The following muscles are located in the soft palate (Fig. 104).

1. Muscle that tenses the velum palatine(m. tensor vali palatini) starts from the outer base of the skull in three bundles: front comes from the scaphoid fossa of the pterygoid process and its medial plate, average - from outer surface cartilaginous and membranous parts auditory tube and from the bottom temporal surface big wing sphenoid bone medially from the spinous and foramen ovale, rear - from the spine of the sphenoid bone. Muscle fibers in the form of a flat muscle plate triangular shape descend down and forward to the hook of the pterygoid process and, not reaching 2-10 mm before it, pass into a tendon 2-6 mm wide, which, spreading over the hook, splits into two parts - external and internal. The outer part of the tendon the smaller one goes into buccal-pharyngeal fascia, partially attached to back surface alveolar process. Interior tendon, thicker, fan-shaped and expands into palatal aponeurosis. When the right and left muscles contract, stretching (tension) of the soft palate occurs. Between the surface of the hook of the pterygoid process and the tendon of the muscle there is a small subtendinous bursa (bursa m. tensoris veli palatini).

The oral cavity is the beginning of the digestive tract. In this area, not only the fact of chewing occurs: the mucous membrane of the human oral cavity is involved in the very process of digesting food.

Structure of the human oral cavity

The anatomy of the oral cavity consists of the following parts:

teeth;
gums;
language;
sky;
tonsils;
tongue

The oral cavity begins with the vestibule, limited by the lips and dentition. The lateral parts of the section are closed by the cheeks. From above, the oral cavity is limited by the soft and hard palate. Muscular system the diaphragm closes the area in lower section. The tongue on the palate is considered to be the conventional border of the oral cavity with the pharynx.

The structure of the oral mucosa has its own characteristics. Thanks to them, it is resistant to chemical and physical irritants. The membranes in question in the oral cavity are able to resist the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. They are endowed with excellent regenerative ability.

Structure of the oral cavity:

Epithelium (consists of several layers of cells).
Basement membrane.
Submucosal tissue.

It is worth noting that different parts of the organ in question have different ratios of the listed layers. The tongue, gums and palate are endowed with powerful epithelium. Submucosal tissue is predominantly developed in the area of the floor of the oral cavity. The lips and cheeks have a clearly defined lamina propria.

The oral mucosa (or oral mucosa for short) is involved in the production of salivary fluid. It is equipped with a fairly large number of glands.

The lips consist of several sections and represent a musculocutaneous groove. Let's consider these zones:

The skin part is located outside, it is covered with keratinized epithelium. In this area there are ducts that produce sebum and ensure the secretion of sweat.
The intermediate part is covered with pinkish skin. The border of the transition to the mucous membrane is called the border. It is painted bright red. This area is supplied with many nerve plexuses and blood vessels, which determines its sensitivity.
Mucous tissue lines the inner surface of the lips. It is covered by squamous epithelium.
The cheeks are muscles containing fat cells covered with skin tissue. This is a symmetrical area.

The gums can also be divided into several parts. They all consist of a mucous membrane.

The free area or marginal zone is lined with smooth tissue surrounding the dental necks.
The groove is located between the units of the jaw row and the gum.
Interdental papillae are localized between adjacent teeth.
The alveolar part is attached to the periosteum and roots.

In adulthood, teeth number 28–32 units, consisting of a crown part. It is covered with an enamel layer consisting of minerals. It has no sensitivity, protecting the nerve from irritants. The crown passes through the neck of the tooth into the root.

Units of the dentition are usually divided into the following types:

Incisors.
Fangs.
Premolars.
Molars.

The tongue almost completely fills the oral cavity. This part is spade-shaped and is a muscle formation. The upper zone of the tongue is covered with small taste buds protruding from the surface. They are divided into the following types:

mushroom-shaped;
leaf-shaped;
groove-shaped.

The receptors are distributed on the surface in such a way that each variety responds

for the perception of different tastes (bitter, sweet, salty, sour).

The main areas of language include:

root;
body;
back;
apex;
bridle.

The palate is divided into soft and hard areas. It has mucous and bone structure, respectively.

The salivary glands are responsible for secretion and are endocrine ducts. On average, about 2 liters of this liquid are released during the day.

Functions of the oral cavity

The functions of the oral cavity are quite extensive. Let's look at them:

The digestive process begins directly in the mouth. Food is crushed by teeth, moistened with salivary fluid, and cooled or warmed to the required temperature.
Breakdown of carbohydrates. Saliva is of great importance in this process.
Cleansing the mouth from food debris. Saliva simply washes them off the surface of the teeth and gums. And the special composition of the liquid protects them from the development of caries and other diseases.
Function of nonspecific and specific immune defense provided by the secretion of saliva. The liquid participates in the regulation of metabolic processes, due to the content of biologically active substances in its composition.
The formation of sounds is provided by the oral cavity. It is involved in the process of breathing and articulation.
Defence from infectious diseases to some extent caused by the tonsils, popularly called tonsils. They enter the ring of the lymphatic system and act as a barrier to the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the respiratory organs.

Based on this, it can be argued that the oral cavity plays an important role for the normal functioning of the human body.

Organ microflora

The oral environment of every healthy person is considered favorable for the habitat of a huge number of microorganisms: both harmless and pathogenic. Nutrients in it are in sufficient quantities. The temperature is always stable. All this provides excellent conditions for the adhesion, reproduction and activity of microorganisms. Thus, they are always present in the oral cavity. Some live in it permanently, others temporarily.

The linings of the oral cavity are mainly covered with anaerobic bacteria and fungi, since these microorganisms do not need air to live. They act as a biological barrier, interacting with epithelial receptors. As a result, our own microflora prevents the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, protecting us from many diseases. But disturbances in the composition of the oral environment lead to the development of various diseases.

Research methods

When performing an initial examination, the doctor already at this stage receives a large amount of information. Many deviations from the norm are reflected by external changes in the oral mucosa and other areas of the organ. To confirm the suspected diagnosis, dentistry provides a number of additional studies. Let's look at them:

Dentistry is aimed at studying individual areas of the oral mucosa. The procedure makes it possible to differentiate diseases.
Photostomatoscopy is performed using special equipment that allows you to obtain images of problem areas.
Vital staining is used to assess the condition, namely to determine the areas and degree of demineralization of the enamel layer. Undamaged areas remain unchanged after the procedure. And the degree of damage is determined using a special scale.
The Schiller-Pisarev test is a procedure in which the entire oral cavity is treated with an iodine solution. The layers lined with epithelium remain without obvious changes.
A hematoxylin test allows you to determine the presence of affected areas on soft tissues. Healthy epithelium is painted in pale shades of purple. Pathologically changed tissues will be darker.
Luminescent studies are performed using a lamp emitting ultraviolet rays (Wood's). The doctor determines the diagnosis depending on the color and shade that the oral cavity acquires at the time of illumination.
The cytological method involves taking material for subsequent examination. The procedure is performed after taking a smear or puncture. Complex equipment is used for the study.
Histology is similar in principle to the previous method. Only material is taken by biopsy.
Data from histochemical tests are obtained by treating the material with various dyes. Cells, microorganisms and their metabolic products have properties in various ways react to chemicals.
Bacteriological methods provide the doctor with data on the microflora of the oral cavity. Materials taken by scraping or smear are examined.
Virological examination indicators can be obtained due to the ability of infected tissues to fluoresce and manifest a serological reaction.
Allergy tests are prescribed for depressed conditions immune system patient.

Major oral diseases

Organ pathologies can be divided into congenital, developing at the time of intrauterine formation, and acquired diseases.

Congenital malformations:

Unilateral or bilateral cleft of the upper or lower lip.
Acheilia. The pathology is caused by the absence of lips.
Synheilia. With this disease, lateral lip fusion is diagnosed.
Cleft of the hard palate.
Pathologies of the frenulum of the tongue (short or thickened).

The leading positions are occupied by infections of the oral cavity, neoplasms and allergic reactions. It is worth noting that the condition of the organ in question depends entirely on general health and hygiene.

Let's look at common acquired diseases:

Stomatitis is an inflammatory process on the mucous membranes, provoked pathogenic microorganisms. During its development, the tissues become covered with plaque, erosions, and papules.
Caries is a disease that affects the hard tissues of the crown of the tooth. In essence, it is rotting caused by bacteria and their metabolic products.
Gingivitis is a common gum disease. Caused by the occurrence inflammatory process on upper layers fabrics. It manifests itself as bleeding gums, swelling and redness. If the disease is not treated, it will progress, covering deeper layers. In this case, tooth loss also develops.

Experts draw attention to the fact that the oral cavity is a unique formation that plays important role In human life. The main task is to keep it in a healthy state. To do this, it is necessary to promptly treat emerging pathologies, strengthen the immune system and not miss preventive examination at the dentist.

Very important body for a person it is the mouth. The functions it performs affect the entire digestion process. We will introduce you in detail to the device of the oral cavity and dwell on the description of the work it performs. From school course From anatomy we know that the mouth consists of two parts; the vestibule of the mouth - the lips, and then the teeth and gums, and the oral cavity itself. They include; tongue, hard and soft palate, cheeks, salivary glands.

Gums and teeth

Everyone knows that teeth are the main characters in the process of chewing and grinding food. According to their roles, teeth in a person’s mouth are divided into types:

Incisors – the front 4 teeth, play the role of biting off the largest pieces.
Fangs - their role is to break food and separate it into pieces; they are also called “eye teeth”.
Small and large molars play the role of chewing and grinding food.

People eat food of different origins, both plant and animal. On this basis, it was concluded that people are omnivorous creatures.

This is possible due to the arrangement of the teeth and the structure of the oral cavity, which makes humans fundamentally different from animals.

All teeth have the same structure: a soft core, dentin. The core consists of blood vessels and nerves, and the hard substance (bone) is dentin. The main function of this substance is to protect teeth from microdamage. To do this, it is “painted” with enamel, which feels absolutely nothing. In addition, enamel has no equal in strength in the human body. It consists of an alloy of mineral substances (salts of phosphorus and), saturated organic substances. The highest concentration of calcium is observed in dentin, where nerve fibers are contained.

Language structure

Human language is muscle mass snowy Pink color where taste buds are located. At the very top of the tongue, and along its edges, there are papillae, which are responsible for the taste of everything that comes into our mouth. It is no secret that the mouth is the first point where the initial processing of food and the adsorption of microorganisms and harmful substances begins. The tongue takes on the most important role here, accumulating on its surface all the harmful substances that form a coating known to everyone. It is imperative, for preventive purposes, to clean the tongue of plaque, which will relieve unpleasant odor and possible infections. At the root of the tongue, there are no papillae, there are tonsils. Which play an important role in protecting the human body, standing in the way of microbes, they do not allow them to penetrate inside.

Sky structure

The part of the oral cavity that is located on top is called the palate. The palate is made up of 2 components, hard and soft. The mucous membrane covers both parts, passing through solid sky towards the soft palate, it gradually turns into gums. The front side of the palate forms rudimentary formations (palatine alveoli), humans do not fully use them, but animals, on the contrary, use them to eat food. The palate has another role besides forming the upper part of the mouth; it is a barrier between the nose and nasopharynx. A kind of barrier wall is small tongue, which blocks access to the nasopharynx during the digestion process.

Structure of the mucous membrane

The entire human oral cavity is covered with mucous membrane, which has distinctive feature, regenerative ability. The mucous membrane protects the oral cavity from environmental influences. Chemical, mechanical, temperature factors cannot influence it. The structure of the mucous membrane is simple; in the lower part of the mouth - on the cheeks and lips, it forms folds; in the upper part - attached to the bones. The main roles of the mucous membrane:

The protective role is unpleasant, but it is a fact that many viruses and bacteria accumulate in the human mouth. The mucous membrane retains, prevents reproduction and removes all harmful microorganisms from the oral cavity.
Sensitive role - Due to the presence on its surface of many receptors responsible for sensations (taste, pain, temperature), it signals all the events that accompany
Suction role - Thanks to this ability, we are able to take medications"under the tongue." The mucous membrane perfectly absorbs protein and mineral compounds.

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