The oral cavity, the entry point of the digestive tract where food is taken in, chewed, and mixed with saliva.
Structure
The mouth is divided into the vestibule between the lips and teeth and the oral cavity proper behind the teeth. Its roof is the hard and soft palate; its floor holds the tongue.
Function
Teeth tear and grind food while the tongue mixes it with saliva from the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Salivary amylase begins starch digestion before the bolus is swallowed.
Speech
Movements of the lips, tongue, and palate shape sounds produced by the vocal folds into recognizable speech. The mouth also serves as a backup airway when nasal breathing is restricted.
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Mouth starts with M and ends with H. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
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