Orofacial Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards

Which muscle compresses the cheeks against the teeth and assists in mastication?

Answer: Buccinator

The buccinator keeps food between the occlusal surfaces during chewing by compressing the cheeks inward.

The Wharton's duct (submandibular duct) opens into the oral cavity at which location?

Answer: Sublingual caruncle on the floor of mouth

Wharton's duct opens at the sublingual caruncle, a small papilla lateral to the lingual frenulum on the floor of the mouth.

The posterior pharyngeal wall is an important landmark in evaluating which orofacial function?

Answer: Velopharyngeal closure

Velopharyngeal closure involves the soft palate contacting the posterior pharyngeal wall to separate oral and nasal passages during speech and swallowing.

Which muscle is the primary mover for closing the jaw (mandibular elevation)?

Answer: Masseter

The masseter is the most powerful jaw-closing muscle, running from the zygomatic arch to the mandibular ramus.

In orofacial anatomy, the 'Passavant's ridge' is associated with which muscle contraction?

Answer: Superior pharyngeal constrictor contraction

Passavant's ridge is a transient muscular ridge on the posterior pharyngeal wall formed by contraction of the superior pharyngeal constrictor during velopharyngeal closure.

The 'freeway space' in orofacial physiology refers to which measurement?

Answer: Space between upper and lower teeth at rest (interocclusal clearance)

Freeway space (interocclusal rest space) is the gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mandible is in physiological rest position, typically 2–4 mm.

Which structure prevents hyperextension of the TMJ and limits mandibular opening?

Answer: Temporomandibular ligament

The temporomandibular (lateral) ligament is the primary restraining ligament that limits posterior and inferior displacement of the mandibular condyle.