Editing Oral cavity

{{Infobox anatomy
| Name         = Oral cavity
| Latin        = Cavitas oris
| Image        = 

[Image of the anatomy of the human oral cavity]

| Caption      = Sagittal and frontal views of the human oral cavity.
| System       = [[Digestive system]]
| Artery       = [[Maxillary artery]], [[Facial artery]], [[Lingual artery]]
| Nerve        = [[Trigeminal nerve]] (CN V), [[Facial nerve]] (CN VII), [[Glossopharyngeal nerve]] (CN IX)
}}

==Definition==
The '''oral cavity''', commonly referred to as the '''mouth''', is the first portion of the [[digestive system]]. It is bounded by the [[lips]] anteriorly, the [[cheeks]] laterally, the [[palate]] superiorly, and the [[floor of the mouth]] inferiorly. It communicates posteriorly with the [[oropharynx]] through the [[isthmus of fauces]].

==Anatomical Divisions==
The oral cavity is divided into two major parts by the [[alveolar process|alveolar arches]] (teeth and gums):

===1. Oral Vestibule===
The '''vestibule''' is the slit-like space between the inner surface of the lips and cheeks and the outer surface (facial/buccal) of the teeth and gingiva.
* The '''[[parotid duct]]''' (Stensen's duct) opens into the vestibule opposite the maxillary second molar.
* It is lined by non-keratinized [[stratified squamous epithelium]].

===2. Oral Cavity Proper===
The '''oral cavity proper''' is the space internal to the dental arches. 
* '''Roof''': Formed by the [[hard palate]] (anterior two-thirds) and the [[soft palate]] (posterior third).
* '''Floor''': Occupied primarily by the [[tongue]] and supported by the [[mylohyoid muscle]].
* '''Lateral/Anterior boundaries''': The lingual surfaces of the teeth and [[gingiva]].

==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.

==Clinical Significance==
* '''[[Oral Cancer]] Screening''': Most malignancies occur on the lateral borders of the tongue and the floor of the mouth.
* '''[[Xerostomia]]''': Subjective feeling of dry mouth, often caused by salivary gland hypofunction.
* '''[[Stomatitis]]''': Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth.

==See Also==
* [[Dentition]]
* [[Saliva]]
* [[Mastication]]
* [[Gastrointestinal tract]]

[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Oral Biology]]