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.

+ Read more

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

Popular

Illustration of the arterial supply to the anterior and posterior leg, highlighting the popliteal artery and its branches.
Encyclopaedia

Anterior Tibial Artery

by Harjinder Kondole

Diagram illustrating the external and internal intercostals muscles of the thoracic wall.
Encyclopaedia

Internal Intercostals

by Dr Oliver Jones

Anatomy diagram illustrating the cutaneous nerves of the foot, highlighting the distribution of the dorsal cutaneous nerves.
Nerves of the Lower Limb

The Deep Fibular Nerve

by Hannah May