From an anatomical point of view, the oral cavity is the initial section of the gastrointestinal tract, which performs digestive, respiratory, protective (immunological) and speech functions. From the physiological point of view, this is a space limited in front by the lips and teeth, behind - by the glossopharyngeal rings, on the sides - by the surface of the cheeks, from below - by the tongue and sublingual space. This space communicates with both the internal environment and the external one.
Digestive function
The oral cavity is the area where food is bitten off, moved further, crushed, soaked. This is where the initial enzymatic digestion takes place and is then swallowed. The quality of digestion directly depends on the quality of chewing, the teeth are responsible for chewing food, i.e. mechanical processing. As usual, a person spends 10-20 seconds to chew one piece, while the force exerted by the teeth on this piece can exceed 75 kg.
Any food contains its own microflora, and the oral cavity is an environment in which there is a microflora of various types, quantities and compositions, and constantly. And it is necessary to clearly understand that normal functioning is impossible without it, and, accordingly, various attempts to completely cleanse it are not only stupid, useless and harmful, but can also lead to dysbacteriosis.
Respiratory function
This is a consequence of communication with the external environment. In fact, the oral cavity is needed only for a partial intake of air into the body, and in some circumstances this function is very important. For example, during heavy physical exertion or obstruction of air through the nose due to illness, damage.
Speech function
This function cannot be canceled in any way, because the oral cavity and the organs that make up it are involved in the formation of sounds, the features of their pronunciation. The intelligibility of speech largely depends on the integrity of the teeth, the normal functionality of the organs of the oral cavity. Also important is the correct bite, the development of the palate, the proper functioning of the tongue. Speech is a necessary way of communication in everyone's life, which is why you need to monitor the health and condition of the oral cavity, because this is important for the quality of speech function and social adaptation of a person.
Protection function
I think that this is one of the most important functions, because the oral cavity is the gate through which microorganisms enter our body, and not always safe. Also, some scientists call the oral cavity a kind of barrier to the effects of various damage factors - biological, physical and chemical. In human saliva, lysozyme, immunoglobulins are formed, which are capable of destroying microflora, binding toxins, and performing immunological defense mechanisms. There are lymph nodes in the pharynx, which are referred to as "Pirogov's ring", around the oral cavity there are regional nodes, which also stand in the way of the spread of microorganisms and infections throughout the body.
Analytic function
With the help of the mouth, we analyze many parameters: taste, chemical sensitivity, touch, temperature. Irritants are perceived by receptors in the oral cavity, which have a reflex connection with other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Let's take a simple example: increased secretion of gastric juice when chewing regular chewing gum.
It can be concluded that the oral cavity is an important anatomical formation, with its own specific functions and structure. And it is worth remembering that the health of the whole organism depends on the health and condition of the oral cavity. Therefore, do not be lazy and observe oral hygiene, because what can be more expensive than excellent health!
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