The oral cavity, also known as the mouth, is the first part of the digestive system. It is responsible for several important functions, including ingestion, mechanical digestion, and the initiation of chemical digestion.
The oral cavity is comprised of several structures, including the lips, cheeks, tongue, hard and soft palate, and teeth. The oral cavity is lined with a mucous membrane that is rich in blood vessels and salivary glands, which produce saliva to aid in digestion.
The oral cavity serves several important functions in the digestive process:
Here are some key points to remember when studying the oral cavity:
Understanding the anatomy and function of the oral cavity is essential for comprehending the overall process of digestion and the role of the mouth in the human body.
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