Macroscopic structure

The oral cavity is limited by various structures. It is divided into the oral vestibule (Vestibulum oris) and the actual oral cavity (Cavitas oris propria). The space between them is called the oral vestibule.

The large salivary gland (Glandula parotis) opens into this space. Its opening is located above the second upper molar. The limiting lips are divided into upper and lower lip. A muscle, the muscle orbicularis oris, runs through them, which closes the lips.

To the front (ventrally) the lips close the oral cavity,
To the sides (lateral) the cheeks limit the oral cavity and
To the back (dorsal) the oral cavity is limited by the adjacent pharynx (mesopharynx).
Cheeks,
Lips and
Teeth.
The lips are sensitively innervated by branches of the trigeminal nerve (maxillary and mandibular nerves).
The muscle of the lips is controlled by the facial nerve.

Microscopic structure

The oral cavity is lined by a rapidly regenerating multi-layered epithelium, i.e. covering tissue. For this reason, minor mucous membrane injuries in the mouth heal much faster than in other regions. In the area of the hard palate, the epithelium has a tendency to keratinize under heavy stress and can degenerate through regular prolonged consumption of niktotine or other noxious substances.

Pathways

The wall of the oral cavity is supplied by branches of the arteria maxillaris and the arteria facialis. The arterial supply to the tongue is provided by the lingual artery. All arteries are branches of the large external carotid artery. The sensitive innervation of the oral cavity is performed by various nerves.

The lower jaw is supplied by branches of the nervus mandibularis,
The upper jaw of parts of the maxillary nerve and
The palate through the nervus glossopharyngeus.

Diseases

Since the oral cavity contains a lot of bacteria, it is also the starting point for many bacterial infections.Probably the best known disease is dental caries (Caries dentium), which is promoted by the presence of certain bacteria (mostly Streptococcus mutans) and the consumption of food with a high sugar content. The bacteria can be detected in almost every mouth. They lie as plaque over the teeth and feed on sugar from the food they eat.

With excessive consumption of sugary foods and poor oral hygiene, the metabolic products produced by the bacteria can gradually demineralize and thus dissolve the enamel. This consequently leads to the development of caries. Inflammations in the oral cavity are also common.

This can be inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), the periodontium (periodontitis) or the oral mucosa (stomatitis). These various inflammations can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Basically, inflammations of the oral mucosa heal quite quickly, as the blood circulation is very good and damaged cells are replaced quickly.

One can support the healing process by avoiding hard food, which has many edges. A gargle can also be helpful. For this purpose, either sage or chamomile tea can be used or a product available in the pharmacy.

Fungal infections usually only occur in people who have a poor general condition or whose immune system is suppressed. The most common fungus that infects the oral cavity is the yeast fungus Candida albicans. This leads to a so-called oral thrush.

This is a whitish coating in the oral cavity. Tumors can occur in the oral cavity. They become noticeable as noticeable and/or visible nodules. The places that are most frequently affected are the front of the mouth and the edge of the tongue. Nicotine and alcohol abuse can increase the risk of tumor development.