<P> The mouth is the first part of the gastrointestinal tract and is equipped with several structures that begin the first processes of digestion . These include salivary glands , teeth and the tongue . The mouth consists of two regions ; the vestibule and the oral cavity proper . The vestibule is the area between the teeth , lips and cheeks , and the rest is the oral cavity proper . Most of the oral cavity is lined with oral mucosa , a mucous membrane that produces a lubricating mucus , of which only a small amount is needed . Mucous membranes vary in structure in the different regions of the body but they all produce a lubricating mucus , which is either secreted by surface cells or more usually by underlying glands . The mucous membrane in the mouth continues as the thin mucosa which lines the bases of the teeth . The main component of mucus is a glycoprotein called mucin and the type secreted varies according to the region involved . Mucin is viscous , clear , and clinging . Underlying the mucous membrane in the mouth is a thin layer of smooth muscle tissue and the loose connection to the membrane gives it its great elasticity . It covers the cheeks , inner surfaces of the lips , and floor of the mouth . </P>
<P> The mouth is the first part of the gastrointestinal tract and is equipped with several structures that begin the first processes of digestion . These include salivary glands , teeth and the tongue . The mouth consists of two regions ; the vestibule and the oral cavity proper . The vestibule is the area between the teeth , lips and cheeks , and the rest is the oral cavity proper . Most of the oral cavity is lined with oral mucosa , a mucous membrane that produces a lubricating mucus , of which only a small amount is needed . Mucous membranes vary in structure in the different regions of the body but they all produce a lubricating mucus , which is either secreted by surface cells or more usually by underlying glands . The mucous membrane in the mouth continues as the thin mucosa which lines the bases of the teeth . The main component of mucus is a glycoprotein called mucin and the type secreted varies according to the region involved . Mucin is viscous , clear , and clinging . Underlying the mucous membrane in the mouth is a thin layer of smooth muscle tissue and the loose connection to the membrane gives it its great elasticity . It covers the cheeks , inner surfaces of the lips , and floor of the mouth . </P>
how does the oral cavity help the digestive system
how does the oral cavity help the digestive system
produces a lubricating mucus
produces a lubricating mucus