Oral+Cavity+&+Salivary+Glands

= Oral Cavity and Salivary Glands: =

[[image:thedigestivesystem-indetail/250px-Illu01_head_neck.jpg width="183" height="187" align="left"]]
The oral cavity includes: teeth, tounge, mandible

Function:
functions of the oral cavity:
 * analysis of materials before swallowing
 * mechanical processing
 * teeth and tounge lubrication
 * saliva and mucus
 * limited digestion of carbohydrates

The tounge function:
 * mechanical processing - compression, abrasion and distortion
 * manipulation of food
 * sensory analysis - touch, taste, temperature
 * secretion of mucus and enzymes

Teeth:
 * responsible for mastication
 * assist to break down food tissues

Salivary Glands:
 * secrete enzymes and saliva which begin the process of mastiction
 * 3 pairs with distinctive cellular organisation - parotid, submandibular, sublingual
 * produce saliva with different properties
 * saturates material with salivary secretions and enzymes

Mastication:
 * breaks down food tissues, also known as chewing
 * first step in mechanical digestion
 * mastication is aided by saliva

Oral Cavity Animation: []