View source for Mouth

{{Infobox Anatomy |
  Name         = {{PAGENAME}} |
  Latin        = cavitas oris |
  GraySubject  = |
  GrayPage     = |
  Image        = Illu01 head neck.jpg |
  Caption      = Head and neck. |
  Image2       = Mouth.jpg |
  Caption2     = A human mouth, closed. |
  Precursor    = |
  System       = |
  Artery       = |
  Vein         = |
  Nerve        = |
  Lymph        = |
  MeshName     = Oral+cavity |
  MeshNumber   = A01.456.505.631 |
  DorlandsPre  = c_16 |
  DorlandsSuf  = 12220513  |
}}
{{CMG}}




The '''human mouth''' (or '''oral cavity''') is covered by an upper and lower '''[[lip]]'''. 

The mouth starts [[digestion]] by physically chewing the food and breaking it down with saliva.

The average male mouth holds a volume of about 100mL.

==Function==
They play an important role in [[Speech communication|speech]] (it is part of the [[vocal apparatus]]), [[facial expression]], [[kiss]]ing, [[eating]], [[drink]]ing (especially with a straw), [[breath]]ing, and [[Tobacco smoking|smoking]]. 

[[Infant]]s are born with a [[sucking]] reflex, by which they [[instinct]]ively know to suck for nourishment using their lips and [[jaw]].

==Cultural aspects==
According to general [[etiquette]], the mouth is kept closed, especially when chewing.

Lips are often adorned with [[lipstick]] or [[lip gloss]] although in most human cultures this is an affectation for females only.

[[Piercings]] have been made popular by the younger generations. Lip, tongue, and the 'Monroe' ([[Monroe piercing]] is a stud piercing placed on one's face in the same area as Marilyn Monroe's well known and prominent birthmark was) are piercings seen in many varieties. Piercings of any sort besides two subtle earrings are seen as rebellious to the norm in many western cultures.

==Development==
The [[philtrum]] is the vertical groove in the upper lip, formed where the [[nasomedial]] and [[maxillary]] processes meet during [[embryo]] [[embryogenesis|development]]. When these processes fail to fuse fully, a [[hare lip]] and/or [[cleft palate]] can result.  

The nasolabial folds are the deep creases of tissue that extend from the nose to the sides of the mouth.  One of the first signs of age on the human face is the increase in prominence of the nasolabial folds.

==See also==
*[[Head and neck anatomy]]

==Additional images==
<gallery>
 image:sagittalmouth.png|Sagittal section of nose mouth, pharynx, and larynx.
</gallery>

==External links==
* {{eMedicineDictionary|oral+cavity}}

{{human anatomical features}}
{{digestive system}}
{{Head and neck general}}
{{Oral pathology}}
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