Introduction To Dental Terminology

Locate the dental word:

Dental words are arranged and listed alphabetically in dictionaries, reference works, or glossary listings. These acronyms are listed
along with other abbreviations representing a combination of word pieces, or initials that can indicate an occupation, specialty,
procedure, condition, or chemical. In filling prescriptions and writing labels, the science of pharmacology uses many abbreviations,
such as b.i.d (twice a day).

Care must taken when looking for or using acronyms or abbreviations to shorten words because many abbreviations are not
universal. For example, the abbreviation imp in general dentistry charting may indicate an impression, but an oral surgeon’s office
may use imp to designate an impaction.

When in doubt about the spelling or meaning of an abbreviation or acronyms, it is best to spell out the word or look it up in a
dictionary, glossary, or office manual.

Some words are very similar in sound and spelling, but have different meaning .

These homonyms may cause confusion and alter the meaning.

Some common homonyms used in dentistry are:

die: tooth or dridge pattern used in prosthodontic dentistry.

dye: coloring material.

auxiliary: helping subsidiary, such as a dental assistant.

axillary: underarm site; may be used to obtain body temperature.

Esthetics: pertaining to beauty.

Anesthesia: loss of pain sensation.

Facial: (a) pertaining to the face; (b) front surface of incisor tooth.

Fascial: pertaining to the fibrous membrane on muscles.

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use of hand or finger pressure to examine:palpation

Palpitation: condition of racing or increased heartbeat

suture: line where two bones unite

Suture: closing wound

Sometimes dental terminology denotes the person who developed the procedure, discovered the anatomical area, designed the
instrument, named the disease, and the like. Examples are Sharpey’s Fibers, or Bass technique. These terms are called eponyms.

Analyze the structure of the dental word:

Dental terminology involves the study of words and terms related specifically to the dental sciences. Every science has its own unique
terminology.

Many dental terms originate from the names of bones or structures, but more often, from the names of dental procedures or practical
approaches.

When analyzing the structure of a word, some considerations to observe include the following:

A prefix: qualifies the word by indicating such things as the quantity, color, size, condition, or location. A word may or may not have a
prefix.

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A root provides the basic foundation for the word. A dental term may have more than one root. When two roots are combined, a
combining vowel (usually o) is used to connect them.

A suffix is sometimes added to root (s) to qualify or describe the meaning.

Many word structure have multiple meanings, either from the Greek, Latin, or French languages.

prefix
some common prefixes used in dental terminology:

Examples of Prefixes Denoting Quantity or Number

prefix Meaning Example

a- an- without anemia

bi- two, double bifurcation

hemi- half hemisection

cent- hundred centimeter

deca(i)- ten decibel

holo- all holistic

mon/o- one monomer

poly- many polymerization

prim-/i- first primary

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quad-/quat- four quadrant

semi- half semiluminal

tri- three trigeminal

Uni- one unilateral

Examples of Prefixes Denoting Color

prefix color example

albus- white albumen

chlor-/o- green chlorophyll

cyan-/o- blue cyanosis

erythr-/o- red erythrocyte

leuk-/o- white leukoplakia

melan-/o- black melanoma

xanth-/o- yellow xanthoma

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 Examples of Prefixes Denoting Size or Degree

prefix meaning example

hyper- over/excess hypertrophy

hypo- under/below hypoplasia

iso- equal isograft

macro- large macrodontia

micro- small/minute microbe

pan- all around panoramic

ultra- extreme/beyond ultrasonic

Examples of Prefixes Denoting Location or Direction

prefix meaning example

ab- away from absent

ad- toward/near adjacent

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ambi- both sides ambidextrous

ana- apart analysis

ante- in front anterior

de- down from dehydration

dexi- right side dexter

dia- complete dialysis

ecto- outside ectopic

endo- within endodontia

epi- upon/over epidermis

ex/o- out from excretion

in- into/in incision

infra- below infraorbital

inter- in midst of interdental

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 im- into/position implant

mes-/o- mid, among mesioclusion

para- near/ beside parenteral

peri-/o- around periodontal

post- after/later posterior

pre-/ante- before premolar

retro- behind/back retromolar

sub- under,lesser subdermal

supra- above/over supraorbital

syn- together synergism

trans- through transplant

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Examples of Prefixes Denoting Condition

prefix meaning examples

a-,an- without anodontia

anti- opposite to antiseptic

brady- slow bradycardia

con- with connective

contra- against contrangle

dis- take away disinfectant

in- not insoluble

mal- bad malocclusion

malaco- soft malacosis

neo- new neoplasm

pachy- thick pachyderma

sclero- hard scleroma

tachy- fast tachycardia

un- non/not unerupted

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Root word
The main section or division of a term that provides the foundation or basic meaning is a root word. A word may have one or more
root sections.

When a root section is combined or connected with other elements, it may take on a combining vowel and become a combining form.
The most common combining vowel is (o).

For example, the word temporal relates to the temporal bone in the skull, and the word mandible is the lower jaw bone.
Independently, these are two separate words, but they can be combined to form the word temporomandibular, as in
temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Common Dental Root/ Combining Forms

Root Word Combo form Pertains to

alveolar alveo alveous

apical apic-o Apix of a root

axis Ax-o Axis/midline

buccal bucco cheek

cheilo Cheil-o lip

coronal Coron-o crown

dens Dent-o tooth

distal Dist-o Farthest from center

enamel Ename-o or amel-o Tooth enamel tissue

fluoride Fluor-o Chemical- fluoride

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 frenum frene frenum

front Front-o forehead

gingiva Gingiv-o Gingiva gum tissue

glossa Gloss-o or gloss/a tongue

gnatho Gnath-o Jaw-cheek

incisor Incis-o Incisor tooth

labia Labi-o Lip area

lingua Lingu-o tongue

mandible Mandibu/a Lower jaw

maxilla Maxilla-o Upper jaw

mesial Mesi-o Middle, midplane

mucosa Muc-o Tissue lining an orifice

occlude occlus Occluding, jaw close

odont Odont-o tooth

orthos Orth-o Straight,proper order

stoma stoma mouth

temporal Tempor-o temporal bone

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suffix
An element added to the end of a root word or combing form to describe or qualify the word meaning is a suffix.

Word endings can act as an adjective or indicate time and size, condition, agents, or specialists.

Suffixes used as adjectives are word endings that describe or show a relationship. Suffixes have the ability to transform a noun or verb
into an adjective, or verbs into nouns, by the addition of word endings.

Examples of Suffixes in Adjective Use

suffix Shows relation to the root

-ac Cardiac-heart

-al Gingival(gum tissue)

-ar Alveolar (alveous)

-ary Maxillary(maxilla)

-eal Pharyngeal(pharynx)

-form Fusiform (spindle shape)

Examples of Suffixes in Adjective Use

suffix Shows relation to the root

-gram Radiogram (X-ray)

-graphy Sialography (saliva measurement)

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 -ic or tic Cariogenic(start of decay)

-ior Posterior(in the rear)

-iod (crown)coronoid

-ous Venous (vein)

Examples of Suffixes Indicating Condition

suffix Condition of root foundations

-ant Etchant (etching)

-cle Vesicle (small blister)

-ule Molecule(small bit of matter)

-ia Anesthesia (without feeling)

-ible,-ile Reversible (change to)

-id Cuspid (cusp shape)

-ion Occlusion(bite)

-ism Bruxism(tooth grinding)

-itis Arthritis(joint inflammation)

-ity Acidity (acid)

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Examples of Suffixes Indicating Condition

suffix Condition of root foundations

-ium Bacterium(germ)

-olus Alveolus(air sac)

-oma Lipoma(fat tumor)

-pathy Myopathy(muscle disease)

-sion (surgical cut) incision

-tic Necrotic(dead tissue)

-tion Mastication(chewing)

-y Slurry(plaster water mix)

Suffixes Denoting Agent or Person Concerned

suffix Agent or Person

-ee Trainee, employee, leasee

-ent Patient, recipient, resident

-eon surgeon

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 -er Subscriber, examiner, practitioner

-ician physician

-ist Dentist, orthodontist

-or Doctor , donor

Suffixes Expressing Medical Terms, Processes, Uses

suffix Meaning Sample Words

-algia pain Odontalgia, neurolagia, myalgia

-ate, -ize use/action Vaccinate, luxate, palpate, visualize

-cide kill Germicide, homicide

-cyte cell Leukocyte, osteocyte

-ectomy Surgical removal Apicoectomy,appendectomy

-gnosis knowledge Prognosis, diagnosis

-ology Study of Histology, biology

-oma tumor carcinoma

-opsy view Biopsy, autopsy

-phobia Dread fear claustaphobia

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 -plasty Surgical repair Gingivoplasty -

-plegia paralysis paraplegia

-rrhea discharge Hemmorrhea, sialorrhea

-scope instrument Microscope (micro), laryngoscope (larynx)

-tomy incision Myotomy(muscle)

-trophy development Osteotrophy(bone development)

Guideline for Plural Forms

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 Anatomy of the Skull
Medical terminology deals with the entire body and all its systems, whereas the language of dentistry is related mostly to the head region. The
skull area is composed of two main bone division: the cranium and the facial section.

Cranium
The cranium is the portion of the skull that encloses the brain. Eight bones make up this section of the skull.

Temporal: two fan-shaped bones, one on each side of the skull, in the temporal area above each ear.

Parietal: two bones, one on each side, that make up the roof and side walls covering the brain.

Frontal: a single bone in the frontal or anterior region that makes up the forehead.

Occipital: one large, thick bone in the lower back of the head that forms the base of the skull and contains a large opening for the spinal cord
passage to the brain.

Ethmoid: a spongy bone located between the eye orbits that helps form the roof and part of the anterior nasal fossa of the skull.

Sphenoid: a large bat-shaped bone at the base of the skull between the occipital and ethmoid in front, and the parietal and temporal bones at
each side.

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Facial Bones
Zygomatic: two facial bones, one under each eye, that form the cheekbone and give character to the face. The zygomatic bones are also called
the malar bones.

Maxilla: two large facial bones, one under each eye, that unite in the center in the median suture to form the upper jaw that supports the
maxillary teeth in the alveolar process. Also present in this bone is the maxillary sinus (Atrium of Highmore), and the infraorbital foramina
under each eye that permits the passage of nerves.

Palatine: two bones, one left and one right, that unite at the median palatine suture to form the hard palate of the mouth and the nasal floor.
Present in this bone are multiple foramina, the largest, the incisive foramen, is directly behind the central incisors.

Nasal: two bones, one left and one right, that join side by side to form the arch or bridge of the nose.

Lacrimal: two small bones, one each on the inner side or nose site of the orbital cavity, that make up the corner of the eye where the tear ducts
are located.

Inferior concha: two thin scroll-like bones that form the lower part of the interior of the nasal cavity.

Mandible: the strong, horseshoe-shaped bone that forms the lower jaw.

Vomer: a single bone that forms the lower posterior part of the nasal septum and separates the nose into two chambers.

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Miscellaneous Bones of the Skull:
Although the auditory ossicles, small bones in the ear, are not considered bones of the face or cranium, they are present in the head or skull.

The three auditory ossicles are:

Malleus: the largest of three ossicles in the middle ear; commonly called the ear mallet.

Incus: one of the three ossicles of the middle ear; commonly called the anvil.

Stapes: one of the three ossicles in the middle ear; commonly called the stirrup.

Another bone of interest and closely related to the dental field but not located in the skull is the hyoid, a horseshoe-shaped bone lying at the
base of the tongue. It does not articulate with any other bone.

Anatomy Features of the Skull:

Many anatomical features are present in the cranial and facial bones, including the sinuses, bones sutures, processes of the skull bones, and
major foramina.

Each feature has a specific location and purpose.

Sinus

A sinus is an air pocket or cavity in a bone that lightens the bone, warms the air intake, and helps form sounds. These sinus cavities receive their
names from the bone in which they are situated. They accessory paranasal sinuses that empty into the nasal cavity are:

Frontal: larger accessory sinus, located in the frontal bone or the forehead above each eye.

Ethmoid: multiple, smaller sinuses located in the ethmoid bone, at the side of each eyes.

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Sphenoid: multiple, smaller sinuses located in the sphenoid bone situated behind the eyes.

Maxillary: located in the maxilla; the maxilla sinus is the largest and is called the atrium of Highmore; this cavity is easily seen and is used as a
landmark for identifying in the mounting of films.

Sutures of the Skull

A suture is a line where two or more bones unite in an immovable joint. Several main sutures are located in the cranium:

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Coronal: junction of the frontal and the parietal bones; this area is soft at birth and shortly afterward, and it has been called the baby's "soft spot"
or fontanel, sometimes spelled fontanelle.

Sagittal: the union line between the two parietal bones on the top of the skull.

Lambdoid: located between the parietal bone and the upper border of the occipital bone.

Temporoparietal: located between the temporal and parietal bones; also known as the squamous suture.

Bone Structures of the Hard Palate

Oral cavity sutures are unions of bones occurring in the mouth. The hard palate is composed of four main processes united by two palatine
sutures, the median and the transverse palatine sutures. The left and right palatine processes and the left and right processes of the maxilla meet
at the median palatine suture. All four edges of the processes combine at the transverse palatine suture completing the hard palate. Five
foramina are present in this hard palate bone. The largest, the incisive foramen, is situated behind the incisors; a greater and a lesser palatine
foramina are present on each side in the rear.

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Processes of the Cranium
A process is a projection or outgrowth of bone or tissue. This bone excess is not to be confused with the fusion line where two bones develop
into one, such as the mandible. The symphysis is in the center of the mandible, forms the chin, and is called the mental or chin protuberance.
The skull eight main processes or bony growths related to dentistry:

Alveolar: bone growth or border of the maxilla and the mandible; makes up and forms the tooth sockets.

Condyloid: posterior growth on the ramus of the mandible; articulates with the temporal bone in the temporomandibular joint.

Coronoid: anterior growth on the ramus of the mandible that serves as the attachment position for the temporalis muscle.

Frontal: the projection of maxilla meeting with the frontal bone to form the eye orbit.

Infraorbital: growth process from the zygomatic bone that articulates with the maxilla to form the lower side of the eye orbit.

Mastoid: growth on the temporal bone behind the ear that is used for muscle attachment.

Pterygoid: growth of the sphenoid bone extending downward from the bone; the most inferior end of the process is known as the pterygoid
Hamulus, a hook like end that serves as a site for muscle attachment.

Styloid: small, pointed growth from the lower border of the temporal bone; serves as a bone position for attachment of some tongue muscles.

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Foramina of the Cranium
A foramen is an opening or hole in the bone for nerve and vessel passage. A foramen is not to be confused with the external auditory meatus, a
large opening in the temporal bone used for the passage of auditory nerves and vessels. Knowing the location of the foramina is important
because many injections for anesthesia are placed in these areas.

The nine main foramina of the head related to dentistry are:

Magnum: opening in the occipital bone for spinal cord passage; largest of all foramina.

Mandibular: located on the lingual side of the ramus of the mandible; permits nerve and vessels passage to teeth and mouth tissues.

Mental: opening situated on left and the right anterior areas of the mandible; used for passage of nerve and vessels.

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Lingual: small opening in the center of the mental spine for nerve passage to the incisor area.

Incisive: opening in the maxilla behind the central incisors on the midline.

Supraorbital: an opening in the frontal bone above the eye orbit.

Infraorbital: an opening in the maxilla under the eye orbit.

Palatine: anterior and posterior openings in the hard palate.

Zygomaticofacial: an opening in the zygomatic bone.

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All bones are covered by a fibrous membrane called the periosteum that forms a lining on all surfaces, except the areas of articulation. When
this layer has a mucous surface, it is called mucoperiosteum. The oral cavity has three types of oral mucosa:

Lining mucosa: mucous membrane that lines the inner surfaces of the lips and the cheeks.

Masticatory mucosa: elastic type of mucous membrane that undergoes stress and pull; located around the alveolar area of the teeth and lines
the hard palate.

Specialized mucosa: smoother mucous tissue found on the dorsal side of the tongue.

Landmarks and Features of the Mandible:

The mandible is the only movable bone in the skull. It is the strongest bone in the face and supports many features. The mandible has seven
major anatomical parts:

Ramus: ascending part of the mandible that arises from the curved, lower arch.

Angle of the mandible: area along the lower edge of the mandible where the upward curve of the mandible forms.

Sigmoid notch: S-shaped curvature between the condyle and coronoid processes; upper border of the mandible; also called the mandibular
notch.

Mylohyoid ridge: bony ridge on the lingual surface of the mandible.

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Oblique line: slanted, bony growth ridge on the facial side of the mandible.

Retromolar area: space located to the rear of the mandibular molars.

Symphysis: center of mandible; also known as mental protuberance.

The mandible articulates or comes together as a joint with temporal bone of the cranium. This temporomandibular joint is commonly
abbreviated as TMJ. The condyle of the mandible rests in a depression in the temporal bone called the glenoid or mandibular fossa. The articular
eminence of the temporal bone forms the anterior boundary of the fossa and helps maintain the mandible in position. Between the contact area
of these two bones is the articular disc, a meniscus and synovial fluid that cushions and lubricates the joint that works in a hinge-action
movement.

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Muscles of Mastication
Mastication: is controlled by paired muscles, named for their placement area. Each performs a specific funetion. The four major muscles of
mastication are:

Temporal: a fan-shaped muscle on each side of the skull; elevates and lowers the jaw and can draw the mandible backward.

Masseter: the muscle that closes the mouth; the principal mastication muscle.

Internal pterygoid: muscle that raises the mandible to close the jaw.

External pterygoid: muscle that opens the jaw and thrusts the mandible forward; assists with lateral movement.

Several other muscles of the head are important to dentistry. These essential muscles relate to or control some of the anatomy concerned with
dental care:

Orbicularis oris: Also known as the "kissing muscle" a circular muscle surrounding the mouth that compacts, compresses, and protrudes the lips.

Buccinators: principal cheek muscle; compresses the cheek, expels air through the lips, and aids in food mastication.

Mentalis: muscle of the chin that moves the chin tissue and raises or lowers the lip.

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Cranial Nerve:
I. Olfactory (s).

II. Optic (s).

III. Oculomotor(M).

IV. Trochlear (M).

V. Trigeminal (B).

VI. Abducens (M).

VII. Facial (M).

VIII. Vestibulocochlear (M).

IX. Glossopharyngeal (M).

X. Vagus (M).

XI. Accessory (M).

Hypoglossal (M).

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Trigeminal Nerve Location and Functions
Muscle movement and the registration of sensations are accomplished by nerve, the communication lines to the brain. The head contains 12
pairs of cranial nerves. Each pair is numbered, and one of each pair is on the left and one on the right.

The most important nerve connected with dentistry is the fifth cranial nerve, the trigeminal. This combination motor and sensory nerve emerges
from the brain and branches at the Gasserian or semilunar, ganglion. The trigeminal nerve divisions are the ophthalmic, maxillary, and
mandibular, as described here:

Ophthalmic: smallest of the three division; a purely sensory nerve that has three branches:

Lacrimal: carries sensation from the lacrimal gland and eye conjunctiva.

Frontal: carries sensation from the forehead, scalp, upper eyelid, and nasal root.

Nasociliary: carries sensation from the nose, eye, and eyebrow.

Maxillary: a sensory division of the trigeminal nerve that has several branches:

Anterior palatine: carries sensation from the hard palate, periosteum, and muscous membrane of the molars and premolar teeth; sometimes
considered the greater palatine nerve.

Middle palatine: carries sensation from the soft palate, the uvula, and upper or soft part of the palate, along with the posterior palatine nerve;
may be grouped as lesser palatine nerve.

Posterior palatine: carries sensation from the tonsils and the soft palate.

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Nasopalatine: carries sensation from the nose and the anterior area of the palate.

Infraorbital: subdivides into three parts:

• Anterior superior alveolar branch: carries sensation from the maxillary centrals, laterals, and canines.
• Middle superior alveolar branch: carries sensation from the maxillary premolars and the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary first
molar.
• Posterior superior alveolar branch: carries sensation from the maxillary second and third molar, and the remaining roots of the
maxillary first molar.

Zygomatic: carries sensation from the lacrimal and upper cheek.

Sphenopalatine: sensory nerve ending for the maxillary anterior mucosal and palatine tissues.

Mandibular: mixed nerve division that registers sensation and causes movement. It has several branches:

Inferior alveolar: carries sensation from the mandibular teeth and mucosa of the mouth floor and some tongue areas.

Mental: carries sensation from the skin of chin and the lower lip.

Incisive: carries sensation from the anterior teeth and alveoli, chin, and lip areas.

Buccal: carries sensation from the buccal gingiva and mucosa of the molar region.

Lingual: carries sensation from the tongue and causes some movement of the tongue and mastication; thereby the classification of the
trigeminal nerve is mixed.

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Blood Supply of the Cranium
Blood is supplied to the head by a vascular system of arteries and veins. An artery carries blood away from the heart, and a vein takes blood to
the heart. Knowledge of the vascular system is important for controlling bleeding and also for administering local anesthesia. The major blood
supply vessels to the head that are of interest in dentistry are the carotid artery, jugular veins, and capillaries:

Carotid artery: rises from the aorta right and left, and divides in the neck to form two arteries:

Internal carotid artery: provides the blood supply to the brain and eyes.

External carotid artery: provides blood to the throat, face, mouth, tongue, and ears through these branches:

• Infraorbital: provides blood to the maxillary anterior teeth and surrounding tissues.
• Inferior alveolar: provides blood to the mandibular teeth, periodontal ligaments, and surrounding tissues.
• Facial: provides blood to the face, tonsils, palate, and submandibular gland.
• Lingual: divides into branches to serve the tongue, tonsil, soft palate, throat, and floor of the mouth.
• Maxillary: largest of the branches of the external carotid; provides blood to the maxillary teeth, periodontal ligaments, muscles, sinus,
and palate.

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Jugular vein: carries blood from the head to the heart through two divisions:

Internal jugular vein: collects and drains blood from the brain, cranium, face, and neck.

External jugular vein: collects and drains blood through assorted branches. The major branches are:

Facial division: carries blood from the face structures and mouth area.

Maxillary division: carries blood from the maxillary region.

Pterygoid venus plexus: collects the blood supply from the head, nasal cavity, palate, teeth, and muscles.

Capillaries: tiny blood vessels that help to transport blood from the veins to the arteries.

Location and Purposes of the Salivary Glands

Salivary glands supply secretion to the oral cavity that protect the lining of the mouth, help moisten food, assist in speech, and make saliva to
expectorate. The major salivary glands produce large amounts of secretions, and the minor salivary glands maintain oral tissue.

Secretions may produce serum or mucin that forms mucus. Some glands produce both with enzymes to digest food. In dentistry, the three
major pairs of salivary glands are:

Parotid: the largest salivary gland, located near the ear, produces serum saliva that empties into the mouth near the maxillary second molar
through the Stenson's duct. This gland becomes swollen when infected by mumps.
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Submandibular: a smaller gland located on the lower side of the face that secrets mucin and serum fluids with enzymes; empties through the
submandibular duct openings in the small fleshy growths, called caruncles. These growths may be seen under the tongue on each side of the
lingual frenum.

Sublingual: smallest major salivary gland, situated in the floor of the mouth; secretes mucin through multiple ducts; many other small glands are
nearby, and they function to keep the mouth tissues moist.

Agents and Function of the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system's presence throughout the body helps protect the body from disease and assists with immunity. The lymphatic system is
composed of a structure:

Lymph: vessels that transport lymph fluid of plasma and water and waste products.

Lymph capillaries: tiny vessels or tubes that carry lymph fluid.

Lymph node: a mass of lymph cells forming a unit of lymphatic tissue that is named after the formation site, for example:

Axillary: lymph nodes located under the armpit.

Cervical: lymph nodes located in the neck.

Inguinal: lymph nodes found in the groin area near the abdomen.

Tonsil: lymphatic tissue masses found in the posterior of the throat between the anterior and posterior fauces and on the back of the tongue.
Tonsils act as filters, aid in the production of disease-fighting immune responses, and may help immunity.

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Adenoid: lymphatic tissue found in the nasopharynx area; sometimes called the pharyngeal tonsil.

Important Structures in the Oral Cavity

The composition of the oral cavity involves many different tissues and forms. Each structure is designed for a specific purpose and function. The
more important landmarks of note in the dental field are described next.

Labia

The lips, or labia, have several sections or division:

Superior labial: the upper lip.

Inferior labial: the lower lip.

Labial commissure: area at the corners of the mouth where the lips meet.

Vermillion border: area where the pink-red lip tissue meets facial skin.

Philtrum: median groove in the center external surface of the upper lip.

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Frenum
The tongue and each lip and cheek attach to the oral membrane with a triangular piece of tissue called a frenum. The oral cavity has five major
frena:

Labial frenum: tissue that attaches the inside of the lip to the mucous membrane in the anterior of the oral cavity. The labial frena occur in both
the maxillary and the mandibular arches. The maxillary labial frenum is a common site for a surgical frenectomy to permit closure of the two
central incisors' gap caused by a labial frenum that is too large or thick.

Ligual frenum: attaches the lower side of the tongue to the floor membrane. Openings for the Wharton's duct are found on each side of this
frenum in the fleshy tissue elevations called caruncles. If the lingual frenum is too short, ankyloglossia, a "tongue-tied" condition, can result.

Buccal frenum: attaches the inside of the cheek to the oral cavity in the maxillary first molar area. This frenum occurs one each on the left and
the right sides.

Tongue Structures
The tongue is an important organ in the oral cavity that performs many necessary functions. The tongue, or glossa, is a strong muscular organ
that aids in chewing, talking, and deglutition. A median sulcus divides the tongue's top surface into two parts. The tongue also has many
papillae or taste buds situated on the dorsal surface of the tongue. The major papillae are:

Circumvallate: the largest, V-shaped papillae, situated on the dorsal aspect of the tongue; sense bitter taste.

Filiform: the smallest, hair-like papillae covering the entire dorsal aspect of the tongue; do not sense taste.

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Fungiform: small, dark red papillae on the middle and anterior dorsal surface and along the sides of the tongue; sense sweet, sour, and salty
taste.

Foliate: present on the posterior lateral borders of the tongue and can be seen if the tongue is grasped with gauze and extended; sense sour
tastes.

Palate Structures
The palate or roof of the mouth is composed of assorted structures. Its two main division are the hard palate and soft palate:

Hard palate: composed of the palatine processes of the maxillary bones; covered with mucous membrane and has the following features:

Rugae: irregular folds or bumps on the surface.

Incisive papilla: tissue growth that is situated at the anterior portion of the palate behind the maxillary centrals; the site for infiltration injection
of local anesthesia.

Palatine raphe: white streak in the middle of the palate.

Soft palate: flexible portion of the palate without bone; area where the gag reflex is present. The soft palate is movable and closes off the nasal
passage during swallowing.

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Miscellaneous Oral Cavity Structures:

Additional oral cavity structures include the following:

Uvula: tissue structure hanging from the palate in the posterior of the oral cavity.

Vestibule: open gum and tissue area between the teeth and the cheek.

Fauces: constricted opening or passage leading from the mouth to the oral pharynx, bound by the soft palate, the base of tongue, and the
palatine arches. The fauces are considered two pillars of mucous membranes:

Glossopalatine arch: anterior pillars.

Pharyngopalatine: posterior pillars. The palatine tonsils lay between these pillars.

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