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The four classical muscles of mastication elevate the mandible (closing the jaw) and move it forward/backward and laterally, facilitating biting and chewing. Other muscles are responsible for opening the jaw, namely the geniohyoid , mylohyoid , and digastric muscles (the lateral pterygoid may play a role).
Note that in this mouth the lower wisdom teeth have been removed, slightly changing the shape of the pterygomandibular ligaments that usually curve and attach to the mandible around them. The pterygomandibular raphe is a tendinous band [2] [3] formed by the buccopharyngeal fascia. It is a paired structure, with one on each side of the mouth. [3]
Diagram showing left medial and lateral pterygoid muscles. Part of the zygomatic arch and the ramus of the mandible have been cut away. The pterygomandibular space lies between the lateral surface of medial pterygoid and the medial surface of the mandibular ramus.
The mouth is the only place in the body which provides the sensation of taste. Due to these unique physiological features, the oral mucosa must fulfil a number of distinct functions. Protection: One of the main functions of the oral mucosa is to physically protect the underlying tissues from the mechanical forces, microbes and toxins in the ...
the angle of the mouth anteriorly, [1] the masseter muscle posteriorly, [1] the zygomatic process of the maxilla and the zygomaticus muscles superiorly, the depressor anguli oris muscle and the attachment of the deep fascia to the mandible inferiorly, the buccinator muscle medially (the buccal space is superficial to the buccinator), [1]
Diagram showing sublingual gland in sublingual space This space may be created by pathology, such as the spread of pus in an infection, e.g. odontogenic infections . A periapical abscess may spread into the sublingual space if the apex of the tooth is above the level of attachment of mylohyoid, and the infection erodes through the lingual ...
The gums are part of the soft tissue lining of the mouth. They surround the teeth and provide a seal around them. They surround the teeth and provide a seal around them. Unlike the soft tissue linings of the lips and cheeks, most of the gums are tightly bound to the underlying bone which helps resist the friction of food passing over them.
Picture of the mouth showing the sublingual caruncle and related anatomical structures. The submandibular duct arises from deep part of submandibular gland, a salivary gland. It begins by numerous branches from the superficial surface of the gland, and runs forward between the mylohyoid, hyoglossus, and genioglossus muscles.