Introduction
The craniomandibular system or also called the masticatory system or chewing organ is the entrance port for the entire digestive contract. It consists of different and different parts of the body with different tasks. The masticatory organ includes:
- Masticatory musculature
- Upper jaw
- Lower jaw
- Palate
- TMJ
- Teeth
- Periodontal apparatus
- Tongue
- Salivary glands
Chewing muscles
The chewing movements are carried out by the chewing muscles. In addition to the large chewing muscles, it also includes numerous smaller muscles that are also responsible for facial expressions.
Upper jaw
The upper jaw is firmly fused with the skull bone. Therefore it cannot be moved. Within the upper jaw is the maxillary sinus, the dimensions of which can vary.
This is important for the treatment with implants. The alveolar ridge carries the teeth. The lower jaw is the movable part of both jaws. It is used to perform the chewing movements. Inside the lower jaw is the mandibular canal, in which blood vessels and nerves run
Palate
The palate is the roof of the oral cavity. It is divided into two parts. The hard palate lies directly on the bone, while the soft palate, as the rear part, consists of muscles and ends in the soft palate.
TMJ
The temporomandibular joint is a rotating and sliding joint that controls the movements of the lower jaw against the upper jaw. Malpositioned teeth, excessive fillings or parafunctions such as grinding can cause pain and irreparable damage to the temporomandibular joint. Like all joints, the temporomandibular joint can also develop artherosclerosis.
The milk teeth have 20 teeth, the permanent teeth 32. The teeth are differently shaped, adapted to their function. The incisors have a wedge-shaped form and are used to cut the food. The small and large molars have a wide surface and are responsible for grinding the food. The teeth are also necessary for speech and facial expression.
Periodontal apparatus
The teeth are located in the alveolar process of the jawbone and are connected to the bone through the periodontium. Elastic fibres are the connection between the root of the tooth and the bone.
Tongue
The tongue is a flexible muscle that is fused to the floor of the mouth. It moves the food porridge during the intake of food, so that all parts can be chewed optimally. It is also essential for speaking.
On the surface of the tongue there are taste buds that react to bitter, sour, salty and sweet. The salivary glands supply the liquid necessary to keep the mucous membrane moist. Viscous saliva is secreted by the parotid glands, while the salivary glands under the tongue produce thin saliva.
The saliva not only makes the food for swallowing more pliable, it also contains the enzyme ptyalin, which already breaks down the carbohydrates and thus initiates pre-digestion. The saliva also contains calcium and fluoride, which ensure remineralisation of the tooth enamel. The entire oral cavity is lined with mucous membrane. On the teeth, it lies as gums directly on the bone and is pink in colour. The remaining mucosa is red in colour.