The Mouth

Overview

The mouth plays a central role in feeding, speech and the early stages of digestion. This section introduces the major anatomical components of the oral region, highlighting their structure, function and relationships. It provides a foundation for understanding how the mouth supports chewing, swallowing and articulation.

Key Structures

Topics include child and adult dentition, outlining tooth development, structure and arrangement; the palate, describing the hard and soft components that separate the oral and nasal cavities; and the oral cavity, including its boundaries, mucosal lining and functional subdivisions. Each article integrates anatomical description with clinical context.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

A strong understanding of oral anatomy is essential for assessing dental disease, palatal abnormalities, speech issues and conditions affecting the oral mucosa. This section supports clinical examination, imaging interpretation and the recognition of common pathologies encountered in dentistry, ENT and general practice.

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Child and Adult Dentition

Anatomy illustration showing the hard and soft palate, highlighting their role in separating the nasal cavity from the oral cavity.

The Palate

Diagram illustrating the sensory innervation of the tongue by the lingual nerve.

The Oral Cavity

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Lateral view of the neck highlighting the two heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle innervated by the accessory nerve (CN XI).
Encyclopaedia

Sternocleidomastoid

by Dr Oliver Jones

Muscles of the Upper Limb

Muscles in the Anterior Compartment of the Forearm

by Dr Oliver Jones

Diagram illustrating the course of the anterior interosseous nerve, a branch of the median nerve.
Encyclopaedia

Anterior Interosseous Nerve

by Max Bidewell and Kumail Jaffry