szájüregnek

The szájüreg, or oral cavity, is the anatomical space within the mouth. It is the starting point of the digestive tract and plays a crucial role in various bodily functions including eating, speaking, and breathing. The szájüreg is bounded anteriorly by the lips and posteriorly by the oropharynx. Its lateral walls are formed by the cheeks, and its roof is the palate, consisting of the hard palate at the front and the soft palate at the back. The floor of the szájüreg is occupied by the tongue and the muscles of the floor of the mouth.

Within the szájüreg are several important structures. The teeth, embedded in the gums and jawbones, are essential for mastication, or chewing. The tongue, a muscular organ, aids in manipulating food, swallowing, and tasting. Salivary glands, located both within the oral mucosa and in larger clusters outside the oral cavity, produce saliva, which lubricates food, begins carbohydrate digestion, and helps maintain oral hygiene. The mucous membrane lining the szájüreg, known as the oral mucosa, is specialized for its various functions. The presence of taste buds on the tongue allows for the perception of flavors. The szájüreg is also a critical component of the respiratory system, serving as an alternative pathway for air to enter the lungs.