Munhåle

Munhåle, the term used in Swedish for the oral cavity, refers to the space inside the mouth bounded by the lips, teeth, palate, and the oropharyngeal region. In humans, it is divided into the oral vestibule, between the lips/cheeks and the teeth, and the oral cavity proper, which lies behind the teeth. The roof consists of the hard palate and the soft palate; the floor is formed by the tongue and the underlying mucosa; the lateral walls are the cheeks and the dental arches.

The primary components of the munhåle include the lips and cheeks, the teeth and gums (gingiva), the tongue, the palate, and the openings of the salivary glands. The inner surface is lined by a mucous membrane, typically stratified squamous epithelium, which is keratinized on portions such as the gingiva and hard palate. The oral cavity communicates with the pharynx at the oropharynx.

Functions of the munhåle are to receive and process food, enable mastication, and mix it with saliva produced by the major and minor salivary glands. Saliva contains electrolytes, mucus, enzymes such as amylase, and antimicrobial factors, supporting digestion, lubrication, and oral health. The space also houses taste buds, participates in speech, and aids swallowing.

Clinical relevance includes common conditions such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancers, as well as developmentally based variations or defects like cleft lip and palate. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental care help maintain the health and function of the munhåle.