Parts of Mouth

The mouth is the opening at the bottom of the face through which food and air enter the body. It is made up of several parts, including:

• Lips: The lips are the fleshy, muscular structures that surround the opening of the mouth. They are made up of skin and mucous membranes and contain several nerve endings that help us taste and touch.

• Teeth: The teeth are the hard, bony structures that are located inside the mouth. There are two sets of teeth: baby teeth and permanent teeth. Baby teeth are also known as primary teeth, and there are 20 of them. Permanent teeth, or secondary teeth, are the adult teeth that replace the baby teeth, and there are 32 of them.

• Tongue: The tongue is a muscular organ that is located in the mouth. It is responsible for tasting, swallowing, and speaking. The tongue comprises eight muscles that work together to move food around the mouth and shape words when speaking.

• Salivary glands: The salivary glands are a group of glands that produce saliva, a clear, watery substance that helps to moisten and lubricate the mouth. Saliva also contains enzymes that help to break down food and start the process of digestion.

• Gums: The gums, also known as the gingiva, are the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. They are made up of several layers, including the gum line, the gingival margin, and the gingival sulcus. The gums are an important part of the mouth, as they help to keep the teeth in place and protect the roots of the teeth from infection.

• Palate: The palate is the roof of the mouth. It is made up of two parts: the hard palate, which is the bony structure at the front of the mouth, and the soft palate, which is the fleshy structure at the back of the mouth. The palate plays a role in speech and in the sense of taste.

• Pharynx: The pharynx is a tube-like structure located at the mouth's back. It connects the mouth to the esophagus and the larynx. The pharynx plays a role in swallowing and in the production of sound when speaking.