Here's a breakdown of its parts and functions:
Parts:
* Lips: The muscular folds that surround the mouth opening.
* Cheeks: The fleshy sides of the face that form the lateral walls of the mouth proper.
* Palate: The roof of the mouth, divided into the hard palate (bony) and soft palate (muscular).
* Tongue: A muscular organ that helps with chewing, swallowing, and speech.
* Teeth: The hard, calcified structures used for biting and grinding food.
* Gingiva (gums): The soft tissue that surrounds the teeth.
Functions:
* Food intake and initial processing: The mouth is where food enters the body and undergoes initial breakdown through chewing and saliva mixing.
* Speech: The tongue and lips work together to articulate sounds for communication.
* Taste: Taste buds located on the tongue and palate detect flavors in food.
* Breathing: While not its primary function, the mouth can also be used for breathing in certain situations.
Key Points:
* The mouth proper is a crucial part of the digestive system and is essential for eating, speaking, and tasting.
* It's important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly to prevent dental problems.
Let me know if you'd like to explore any specific aspect of the mouth proper in more detail!