Oral Anatomy and Physiology

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. describe tooth development; 2. describe anomalies of tooth formation; 3. state the functions of saliva; 4. describe the anatomy of oral structures; and 5. identify eruption times.

Embryological development of the oral cavity and its structures. The basal lamina. Mesodermal tissues of maxillary and mandibular process. Primary epithelial band. Vestibular band. Dental lamina. Dental papilla. Sheath of Hertwig. Period of formation of the various stages stated above. Dentinogenesis and its stages. Early dentine development. Later dentine development. Pulp tissue. Developmental stages of the teeth under the following. Dental follicles. Gum pads. Development of Dental tissues. Amelogenesis and its stages. Matrix formation. Calcification of matrix. Maturation. Anatomy of the oral cavity and associated structures. Oral Cavity: Tongue; Taste bud. Salivary glands: Major salivary glands and their locations: Parotid, Submandibular and Sublingual. Minor salivary glands - distributed all over the mouth, Palate, Tonsils and adenoids. Function of saliva in the maintenance of oral health. Saliva; Secretion. Quantity. Composition. Functions. Process of homeostasis. Morphology of the teeth. Definition of the following terms; Mesial - lingual; Distal - Buccal; Labial - palatal; Incisal - occlusal; Groove - Proximal; Triangular ridge; Oblique Ridge and many others. Structure of the teeth: Longitudinal section of both anterior and posterior part of the teeth. Mechanism of blood supply to the pulp tissue. Describe the Innervation of the teeth. Eruption of deciduous and permanent teeth: Tooth Eruption. Types of eruption. Active eruption. Passive eruption. Functional eruption. Incisor. Canine. 1stmolar. 2nd molar. Period of 3rd molar formation and eruption of each set of teeth. Exfoliation of deciduous teeth.