Overview of the oral cavity

This tutorial provides an overview of the oral cavity, detailing its division into the oral vestibule and oral cavity proper. It covers the structures within these regions, including the tongue, hard and soft palates, and the uvula. The tutorial also discusses the isthmus of fauces, palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches, and the palatine tonsils. Clinical notes on pathologies like cleft palate and Candida infection are included. The session concludes with a recap of the key points discussed.

What is the primary function of the labial frenula in the oral vestibule?

• To aid in the digestion of food

• To assist in sound modification

• To support and restrict the motion of the lips

• To separate the oral cavity from the nasal cavity

Which structure in the oral cavity proper is crucial for both feeding and communication?

• The uvula

• The labial frenula

• The hard palate

• The palatine tonsils

What is the role of the soft palate during swallowing?

• To open the nasal passages

• To close off the nasal passages

• To aid in the digestion of food

• To produce saliva

Which structure is considered an extension of the soft palate?

• The tongue

• The palatine tonsils

• The uvula

• The hard palate

What is the function of the palatoglossal arches?

• To produce saliva

• To aid in sound production

• To support the teeth

• To constrict the isthmus of fauces during swallowing

What is a common reason for the surgical removal of palatine tonsils?

• To aid in digestion

• To enhance sound modification

• To improve taste

• Due to repeated tonsillitis or airway obstruction

What is a cleft palate, and how can it affect an individual?

• A fusion of the palatine shelf, causing enhanced speech

• A lack of fusion between the palatine shelf, causing problems with speech, feeding, and hearing

• An infection of the oral cavity, causing pain and swelling

• A growth in the oral cavity, causing obstruction