M OUTH AND T HROAT Dacinda Givan Evelyn Rancher Destynni Burrell Jemaire Dunigan

S ALIVARY G LANDS There are three types of salivary glands. Purpose: secretes saliva (a mixture of water, enzymes, and a gluey protein called mucin) into the mouth to help moisten food. Enzymes in the saliva interact with the food to begin the process of chemical digestion.

T EETH Teeth are bony structures that tear, chop, and grind food for swallowing. Sharp incisors and pointed canines in the front of the mouth are designed to tear into tough foods. Flattened premolars and molars that are located in the back grind grains and plant matter. Adults normally have 32 teeth.

T ONGUE This muscular organ maneuvers food around the mouth. The top and sides of the tongue are covered with little projections called papillae, many of which contain taste buds.

B OLUS The tongue maneuvers around during chewing and mixes with saliva to form a wet substance called a bolus.

H ARD AND S OFT P ALATES Hard palate - the roof of the mouth. Along with the hard palate it separates the oral cavity from the naval cavity. Soft palate – Found behind the hard palate. When food is swallowed, it rises to close of the nasal passage.

U VULA Uvula - Along with the soft palate, stop food from entering the nasal cavity when swallowing.

E PIGLOTTIS This large piece of cartilage folds down over the larynx, or voice box, during swallowing to prevent food from entering the windpipe.

P HARYNX The pharynx is the part of the digestive tube which is placed behind the nasal cavities, mouth, and larynx.

L ARYNX The larynx or organ of voice is placed at the upper part of the air passage. It is situated between the trachea and the root of the tongue.