ABSTRACT
The oral cavity is the entry point to the alimentary tract and has an important role to play in the preparation of food, swallowing, speech, breathing and structural support to the face and aesthetics. The shape and size changes with age and is influenced by the eruption and loss of teeth and age-related changes of the surrounding skin, muscles, ligaments and bone. Lined by mucous membrane of differing characters, it is lubricated by major and minor salivary glands. A detailed appreciation of its anatomy is mandatory for safe surgical practice.
