as: Crohn's disease of the oral cavity, see reference below. Careful observation of the oral cavity, teeth and gums may reveal indicators of other medical conditions. For example, a person suffering from the eating disorder, Bulimia nervosa may show signs of excessive tooth and gum erosion. Airway obstruction The airway in the head and neck may be obstructed with swelling associated with an enlarged tongue (macroglossia), tonsils, with swelling associated with anaphylactic shock, angiooedema, or a foreign body. Anaphylactic shock requires advanced medical care immediately; but other first aid measures include rescue breathing (part of CPR) and administration of epinephrine using an EpiPen for immediate administration of epinephrine (adrenaline) to reverse swelling and to keep the respiratory airway (trachea) open. References http://www.med-ed.virginia.edu/courses/rad/cspine/anatomy1.html http://www.pediatric-orthopedics.com/Topics/Bones/Skull/Skullduggery/Foramen_Magnum/foramen_magnum.html ADHA Dental Hygiene Medline, Crohn disease Brain-blood barrier, University of Washington Skin nerve receptors Cells Alive, Anatomy of a splinter External links Core Curriculum Syllabus: Review of Anatomy at Baylor College of Medicine Core Curriculum Syllabus: Review of Anatomy - Temporal Bone and Ear at Baylor College of Medicine Dental anatomy at Colorado State University Neuroscience for Kids at University of Washington Histology of peridontium at University of Pittsburgh Human head and neck