Digestive System Functions Review 1: Oral Cavity through Larynx

This is between the mouth and oropharynx, and between the cheeks. The hard and soft palates form the roof and the floor of chin is inferior border.  It is lined with non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and it is where digestion starts.

• oral cavity
• hard palate 
• soft palate 
• uvula 

This is composed of palatine processes of the maxillae and palatine bones.  It aids in chewing and language.

• oral cavity
• soft palate
• hard palate 
• uvula 

This is composed of connective tissue and a mucous membrane.  It aids in chewing and language.

• oral cavity
• hard palate 
• soft palate 
• uvula 

This is a small grape-like structure suspended from the posterior edge of the soft palate.  It helps prevent food or liquid from moving into the nasal cavity during swallowing.

• oral cavity
• hard palate 
• soft palate 
• uvula 

This is also called the Labia.  It protects the anterior opening of the mouth.

• uvula
• lips 
• tongue 
• oral cavity 

The major muscle of this is the genioglossus.  It is  important to speech, taste, the movement of food toward the teeth for chewing, and swallowing.

• uvula
• lips 
• tongue 
• oral cavity 

This holds the tongue to the floor of the mouth.  It is a thin mucous membrane.

• Lingual frenulum 
• Papillae 
• Labial frenulum 
• Labia

This holds the lips to the gingiva of the mouth.  It is a thin mucous membrane.

• Lingual frenulum 
• Papillae 
• Labial frenulum 
• Labia

This is the raised areas on the tongue that contains the tastebuds.  It increases the frictional surface of the tongue and comes in 3 types.

• Lingual frenulum 
• Papillae 
• Labial frenulum 
• Labia

These are on the tongue along the sides of the papillae and provide us our sense of taste.

• Lingual frenulum 
• Papillae 
• Labial frenulum 
• Tastebuds