Oral cavity

Definition

The oral cavity is the beginning section of the digestive tract, encompassing the mouth area where food intake occurs, initial digestion begins, and speech and respiratory movements are facilitated. It includes structures such as the teeth, tongue, and salivary glands that play crucial roles in chewing, taste perception, and saliva secretion.

Related terms

Salivary Glands:

These are exocrine glands located in the mouth that produce saliva to moisten food, facilitate chewing and swallowing, and initiate digestion of starches with amylase enzyme.

Pharynx:

A muscular tube that connects the oral cavity to the esophagus and serves as a pathway for both food (bolus) moving towards the stomach and air headed to the lungs.

Esophagus:

A muscular tube that conducts food by peristalsis from the pharynx down into the stomach