Oral cavity proper - Visible Human Project - Head - e-Anatomy
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Oral cavity proper

Cavitas propria oris

  • Latin synonym: Cavitas oris propria

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The oral cavity proper is the inner part of the mouth located within the dental arches. It lies posterior and medial to the teeth and gums and communicates posteriorly with the oropharynx through the oropharyngeal isthmus (isthmus of fauces).

Boundaries

  • Anteriorly and laterally: Teeth, gingivae, and alveolar arches of the maxilla and mandible

  • Roof: Hard palate anteriorly and soft palate posteriorly

  • Floor: Mylohyoid and geniohyoid muscles covered by mucosa; occupied mainly by the tongue

  • Posteriorly: Opens into the oropharynx via the isthmus of fauces, bounded by the palatoglossal arches

Mucosal Lining

The oral cavity proper is lined by stratified squamous epithelium, which is keratinised in region of the gums and the hard palate.

Openings of salivary gland ducts in the floor of oral cavity proper

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References

  • Kamrani P, Sadiq NM. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Oral Cavity (Mouth) [Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545271/

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