Editing Oral cavity (section)

==Major Structures==

===The Tongue===
A muscular organ vital for [[mastication]], [[deglutition]] (swallowing), and [[speech]]. It is covered in [[papillae]], some of which contain '''[[taste buds]]'''. 

===The Palate===
* '''[[Hard Palate]]''': A bony structure formed by the [[palatine process]] of the maxilla and the horizontal plate of the palatine bone.
* '''[[Soft Palate]]''': A muscular flap that closes the [[nasopharynx]] during swallowing. The '''[[uvula]]''' hangs from its posterior margin.

===Salivary Glands===
While the major glands ([[parotid gland|parotid]], [[submandibular gland|submandibular]], and [[sublingual gland|sublingual]]) are located outside the cavity walls, their ducts open into it. Hundreds of '''[[minor salivary glands]]''' are located within the oral mucosa.