Oral Cavity
Order by
13 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 Tongue | Protrudes from the anterior opening of the oral cavity. Is a highly manipulative, muscular structure, that contributes to chewing, swallowing, and sensing food. |
| Sensory papillae | Chemical sensation occurs here, it is visible on the tongue. Taste cells within buds of the papillae detect chemical features that the brain interprets as salty, sweet, sour, and bitter (in humans). |
| Trachea | A thin-walled tube of cartilaginous and membranous tissue descending from the larynx to the bronchi and carrying air to the lungs. Also called windpipe. |
| Esophagus | The muscular, membranous tube for the passage of food (via peristalsis) from the pharynx to the stomach; the gullet. |
| Glottis | The opening between the vocal cords at the upper part of the larynx. |
| Cartilage | A firm, elastic, flexible type of connective tissue of a translucent whitish or yellowish color; gristle. |
| Peristalsis | rhythmic muscle movements that force food in the esophagus from the throat into the stomach. Peristalsis is involuntary - you cannot control it. It is also what allows you to eat and drink while upside-down. |
| Epiglottis | The thin elastic cartilaginous structure located at the root of the tongue that folds over the glottis to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during the act of swallowing. |
| Mandible | The lower jaw of a vertebrate animal. |
| Larynx | The part of the respiratory tract between the pharynx and the trachea, having walls of cartilage and muscle and containing the vocal cords enveloped in folds of mucous membrane. |
| Hard palate | The relatively hard, bony anterior portion of the palate. |
| Soft palate | The movable fold, consisting of muscular fibers enclosed in mucous membrane, that is suspended from the rear of the hard palate and closes off the nasal cavity from the oral cavity during swallowing or sucking. |
| Canine teeth | Relatively long, pointed teeth |
First Time Here?
Welcome to Quizlet, a fun, free place to study. Try these flashcards, find others to study, or make your own.