ABSTRACT
The oral cavity can be divided into a variety of anatomically unique sub-units. One such sub-unit is the buccal mucosal region. The buccal region has its own unique structure and design, which is necessary for normal oral function. Although a relatively passive player in speech and swallowing, it is actively involved in mastication, bolus preparation, and storage prior to swallow initiation. The major defining character of the buccal mucosa is its innate elasticity. It retains a position adjacent to the teeth during normal passive oral activity, however, it can be expanded to more than twice its size when confronted with a food bolus. This expansion may be even larger when controlling air outflow, as seen in brass and reed instrument musicians. The buccal mucosa contains approximately 40 cm2 of mucosal surface on each side of the oral vestibule. The parotid gland drains through the buccal mucosa via Stenson’s duct, which exits the mucosa just posterior to the maxillary molar. The buccal mucosa borders the alveolar mucosa superiorly and inferiorly, the labial mucosa anteriorly, and the anterior tonsillar pillar and retromolar trigone posteriorly. The buccal mucosa itself is littered with minor salivary glands (buccal glands) as well as connective tissue which holds it in close approximation to the buccinator muscle and posterior slips of the orbicularis oris (1). Posterior to the buccinator muscle is a relatively large fat pad, the buccal fat pad, which protects neuromuscular pathways and cushions the motion of the mandible during mastication.
