The Oral Cavity: A Study of the Development, Anatomy, and Histology of the Oral Cavity

Jessica M Parker, Lisa MJ Lee, PhD - The Ohio State University

Lecture Captions:

Slide 1:
In this presentation, the development, anatomy, and histology of the oral cavity will be discussed. This
presentation will last approximately 20 minutes.

Slide 2:
During the presentation, there will be a brief description of the development of the oral cavity which will
be followed by an anatomical and histological review of the oral cavity and some of its major structures.
After completing the module, the audience should be able to fulfill the objectives listed here.

Slide 3:
The oral cavity forms between the 4th and 10th weeks of fetal development from the frontonasal
prominence and pharyngeal arches. From the frontonasal prominence, medial (blue) and lateral (yellow)
nasal processes develop. The medial nasal processes fuse in the midline and give rise to a part of the
nose and an intermaxillary segment that develops into the philtrum of the upper lip, the primary palate,
and the anterior maxilla containing four incisors.

The 1st pharyngeal arch is composed of maxillary (dark green) and mandibular (light green) processes.
The primitive oral cavity, called the stomodeum, initially lies in the groove bounded by the frontonasal
prominence and the maxillary and mandibular processes of the 1st pharyngeal arch. The stomodeum is
initially separated from the pharyngeal space by the buccopharyngeal membrane. This membrane will
break down by apoptosis around the 5th week, making the oral cavity and pharyngeal cavity continuous.
The maxillary processes give rise to the secondary palate and the maxilla. The mandibular processes give
rise to the mandible.

Slide 4:
The tongue is a major structure found in the oral cavity that plays an important role not only in
mastication, but also in the development of the face and oral cavity. The anterior 2/3rds of the tongue
derives from two lateral lingual swellings and one medial lingual swelling, also known as the tuberculum
impar. All three structures arise from the mandibular process of the 1st pharyngeal arch.

The posterior 1/3rd of the tongue derives from two midline swellings: the copula, which is associated
with the 2nd arch, and the hypopharyngeal eminence, which is associated with the 3rd and 4th pharyngeal
arches. During the growth of the posterior tongue, the hypopharyngeal eminence overgrows the 2nd
arch structure, and the remaining portion of the 4th arch will develop into the epiglottis.

The lingual papillae arise on the tongue between the 8th and 11th week of development. However, the
taste buds do not develop until the 11th through the 13th weeks.

The teeth, which are another major structure of the mouth, begin to develop in the 6th week in the form
of tooth buds from reciprocal interactions between the mesenchyme and epithelium of the oral cavity.

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The Oral Cavity: A Study of the Development, Anatomy, and Histology of the Oral Cavity
Jessica M Parker, Lisa MJ Lee, PhD - The Ohio State University

Slide 5:
In an adult, the oral cavity can be divided into two regions: the oral vestibule, which is the space
between the lips and cheeks superficially, and the gingivae and teeth internally, and the oral cavity
proper, which is the space medial and posterior to the maxillary and mandibular dental arches. As such,
the oral cavity proper is bounded anteriorly and laterally by the alveolar bone of both arches. Its roof is
formed by the palate, and posteriorly, the oral cavity is in communication with the oropharynx. At rest,
this space is filled by the tongue.

Slide 6:
Three types of mucosa line the oral cavity: lining mucosa, masticatory mucosa and specialized mucosa.
As the name indicates, lining mucosa’s primary function is to line the oral cavity in the areas that do not
encounter frequent force or friction, such as the inner surface of the lips, the floor of the mouth, the
inferior tongue, and the soft palate. Histologically, the lining mucosa of the oral cavity contains
nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Nonkeratinized epithelium can be recognized by the
presence of nuclei in the surface cells.

Slide 7:
Masticatory mucosa, on the other hand, lines the areas of the oral cavity that encounter frequent force
and friction, such as the gingiva, and the hard palate. Histologically, masticatory mucosa contains
slightly keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. In contrast to nonkeratinized epithelium, keratinized
epithelium is composed of non-nucleated cells on the surface.

Slide 8:
Specialized mucosa is found on the dorsum of the tongue and contains a variety of papillae that provide
friction and special sensory function to the tongue. Histological features of the specialized mucosa of
the tongue will be covered in the later slides.

Slide 9:
Now we will move on to structures located within the oral cavity. The first structures we will discuss are
the teeth. Humans have two sets of teeth. The 1st set is called the primary, or deciduous, dentition.
There are ten teeth in each arch of deciduous dentition consisting of four incisors, two canines, and four
molars. These teeth are eventually exfoliated and replaced by the permanent teeth, which remain in the
mouth for the duration of life except when they are lost due to trauma, disease, or other factors. The
permanent dentition is composed of sixteen teeth in each arch and they are four incisors, two canines,
four premolars, and six molars.

Slide 10:
Teeth develop from the reciprocal interaction between the loose connective tissue of the developing
embryo, called mesenchyme, and the epithelium of the oral mucosa that thickens and is called the
dental lamina. The dental lamina invaginates into underlying mesenchyme to give rise to a tooth bud. A
tooth bud is composed of the epithelial derived bell shaped structure and the mesenchyme in contact

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The Oral Cavity: A Study of the Development, Anatomy, and Histology of the Oral Cavity
Jessica M Parker, Lisa MJ Lee, PhD - The Ohio State University

with the bell. The bell shaped structure is called the enamel organ, and it is composed of outer and
inner enamel epithelia. The enamel organ contains epithelial derived mesenchyme in the middle, called
the stellate reticulum. The mesenchyme in contact with the concave portion of the enamel organ is
called the dental papilla, and the mesenchyme at the rim of the bell shaped enamel organ is called the
dental follicle.

The enamel organ plays a role in initiating the development of the tooth, developing the enamel, and
establishing the shape of the crown of the tooth. Its features include inner and outer enamel epithelium,
the stratum intermedium, which lies between the two, and the stellate reticulum, which synthesizes
glycosaminoglycans and is lost as the tooth is formed.

Slide 11:
Cells of the inner enamel epithelium in contact with the dental papilla differentiate into ameloblasts.
These specialized cells are only present during the development of the teeth. They produce proteins
that mineralize into enamel, which is the hard outer surface of the crown of the tooth.

Cells in the dental papilla, in contact with the inner enamel epithelium, differentiate into odontoblasts
which produce dentin. The rest of the dental papilla gives rise to loose connective tissue of the pulp of
the tooth.
The dental follicle, or sac, contains the structures that form the tooth and later differentiate into
supporting structures, such as the periodontal ligament.

Although not pictured, the teeth form in stages, which can be distinguished by the shape of the
developing enamel organ. The three stages of tooth development are: the bud, the cap, and the bell
stage.

Slide 12:
In the adult, the tooth is divided into two main structures: the crown, which is the exposed portion of
the tooth above the gingiva, and the root, which lies deep to the gingiva, within a socket in the alveolar
bone.

The connective tissue in the middle of the tooth is called the pulp. The pulp contains odontoblasts,
fibroblasts, collagen, and a rich nervous and vascular supply that enters and leaves the tooth through
the apical foramen at the apex of the root.

The middle layer is called dentin. It is produced and maintained by odontoblasts whose cellular
processes are found within dentinal tubules. This layer forms the bulk of the tooth.

The outermost layer of the crown of the tooth is enamel an acellular material comprised of rods and
interred enamel that binds the rods together. Enamel on this section is not obvious due to lack of
staining.

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The Oral Cavity: A Study of the Development, Anatomy, and Histology of the Oral Cavity
Jessica M Parker, Lisa MJ Lee, PhD - The Ohio State University

The outermost layer of the root of the tooth is cementum, which can be cellular, acellular, or afibril. The
cementum is produced by cementoblasts, and it connects to periodontal ligament fibers to anchor the
tooth in the alveolar bone.

Slide 13:

Between the enamel and cementum is the cemento-enamel junction. This junction point is also
commonly referred to as the neck or the cervical constriction of the tooth.

Additionally, note that the boney sockets for the teeth are located within the alveolar processes of the
maxilla and mandible. This bone is in direct contact with the periodontal ligament. On the right is the
histology of the periodontal ligament. It is derived from mesenchyme around the cementum of the
tooth and is comprised of fibers in various orientations. The varying fiber orientations attach and secure
the tooth to the alveolar bone.

The epithelium of the gingiva around the tooth varies, such that three types can be seen. Junctional
epithelium is found in the deep portion of the gingival sulcus and attaches to the tooth via a thickened
basal lamina and hemidesmosomes. Distal to this is the sulcular epithelium that extends from the base
of the sulcus to the free margin. At the free margin of the gingiva, the epithelium changes to that of the
surrounding epithelium and blends in with the masticatory mucosa.

Slide 14:
Now we will shift our focus to the tongue. The tongue is a muscular organ that serves many important
roles, such as in mastication and speech. Some of the anatomical features of the tongue include the
terminal sulcus, which is a V-shaped line separating the anterior 2/3rds of the tongue from the posterior
1/3rd of the tongue, the median sulcus, and the foramen cecum, which is a remnant of the embryonic
thyroglossal duct, located at the apex of the terminal sulcus. The dorsum of the tongue is lined by the
specialized mucosa, composed of papillae which give a velvety and raised papule like appearance to the
tongue. Anatomical features of the underside of the tongue include: the sublingual fold, formed by the
sublingual gland and the submandibular duct that lie deep to the mucosa, the lingual frenulum, which
attaches the tongue to the floor of the oral cavity, and the sublingual caruncles, which are the sites of
the submandibular glands opening into the oral cavity.

Slide 15:
There are four types of lingual papillae, and each will be described. Filiform papillae are the most
numerous and the smallest papillae found on the dorsum of tongue. They appear scaly or thread-like,
and are conical projections of connective tissue covered by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
They provide friction and are sensitive to touch. However, unlike the other lingual papillae, they contain
no taste buds.

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The Oral Cavity: A Study of the Development, Anatomy, and Histology of the Oral Cavity
Jessica M Parker, Lisa MJ Lee, PhD - The Ohio State University

Fungiform papillae are scattered over the dorsum of the tongue but are most numerous near the apex.
They appear mushroom shaped or as pink or red spots on the tongue. Histologically, they are taller than
filiform papillae, and they contain taste buds on their apical surfaces.

Slide 16:
The taste bud is an ovoid structure composed of pale staining cells within the epithelium containing the
neuroepithelial cells with microvilli that project through a taste pore. Although taste buds are mostly
associated with circumvalate, foliate, and fungiform papillae, they are also found on the palate, the
patatoglossal arches, the posterior epiglottis, and the posterior wall of oropharynx.

Slide 17:
Foliate papillae are found on the postero-lateral margins of the tongue but are not highly developed in
humans. The papillae appear as parallel ridges with leaf-like shapes, separated by a deep groove. They
also contain taste buds in the lateral surfaces.

Slide 18
Circumvallate, or vallate, papillae are found in varying numbers in a row anterior to the terminal sulcus.
They appear large with a flat top, and contain taste buds on their lateral surfaces. Each papilla is
surrounded by a trench.

Foliate and circumvallate papillae are also associated with serous glands underneath that produce
watery secretions into the deep ridges around the papillae.

Slide 19:
The palate consists of a hard palate and a soft palate. The hard palate is lined with masticatory mucosa.
Projections of the hard palate include: the incisive papilla, located near the incisors, the palatine raphe,
which is a midline ridge of the palate, and the palatine rugae, which are a series of ridges seen running
horizontally on the anterior hard palate. Another feature that can be seen is the maxillary tuberosity,
which is the distal aspect of the alveolar bone of the maxilla.

The soft palate is lined with lining mucosa. The major extension of the soft palate is the uvula, but also,
extending toward the tongue and pharynx, are two folds of tissue: the palatoglossal and
palatopharyngeal arches.

Slide 20:
Although not found directly inside the oral cavity, salivary glands are major structures anatomically and
functionally associated with the oral cavity.

The sublingual glands are the smallest of the 3 major salivary glands and are located under the lining
mucosa of the floor of the oral cavity. The glands group together to form a U-shape of tissues on either
side of the lingual frenulum. They have numerous small ducts that open into the floor of the mouth

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The Oral Cavity: A Study of the Development, Anatomy, and Histology of the Oral Cavity
Jessica M Parker, Lisa MJ Lee, PhD - The Ohio State University

adjacent to the sublingual fold. Histologically, the sublingual glands are compound tubuloacinar glands
containing both mucous and serous secreting cells. However, mucous secreting cells predominate.

Slide 21:
The submandibular glands lie beneath the mandible near the mylohyoid muscle. They are also a mixed
gland containing both serous and mucous producing cells. However, compared to the sublingual glands,
they have a more extensive ductal system. The submandibular duct, also called Wharton’s duct, opens
into the sublingual caruncle on the underside of the tongue.

Slide 22:
The parotid glands are found on either side of the face, superficial to the ramus of the mandible and
anterior and inferior to the ear. Parotid glands are compound, branched acinar glands and are
composed of mostly serous secreting cells.

Parotid glands have an even more extensive ductal system than the submandibular glands, and contain
numerous, much larger, interlobular ducts. The parotid duct travels along the buccal fat pad and opens
into the oral cavity adjacent to the 2nd maxillary molar.

Slide 23:
Finally, we will discuss the tonsils found in the oral cavity. The palatine tonsils, commonly referred to as
the tonsils, can be found within the tonsilar beds of the oral cavity which has their embryonic origins in
the second pharyngeal pouches. The tonsilar bed lies between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal
arches. The tonsils are composed of diffuse lymphoid tissues and lymphoid follicles, some with germinal
centers, containing dividing and differentiating lymphoid cells. The tonsils are surrounded by an
incomplete capsule that separates the tonsils from the underlying connective tissues. The oral surface
of the tonsils is covered by lining epithelium, which occasionally invaginates into the tonsilar
parenchyma to form crypts. Heavy infiltration of lymphocytes in the lining epithelium of the tonsils is
not uncommon.

The lingual tonsils, located on the postero-lateral tongue, would look very similar to the histological
images of the palatine tonsils. While they contain lymphoid follicles and diffuse lymphoid tissue, their
capsule is thinner and not well defined.

Slide 24:
To conclude this presentation on the development, anatomy, and histology of the oral cavity, the
following summary table is provided.

By completing this module, you, the viewer, should feel more confident and able to answer the
objectives given.

Slide 25:
(This slide contains no spoken content.)