Cheeks

Definition

The cheeks are the fleshy, muscular areas on the sides of the face, between the eyes and the chin. They play an important role in the functions of the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus by assisting with chewing, swallowing, and speech.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The cheeks are composed of skin, fat, and the buccinator muscle, which is responsible for pushing food between the teeth during chewing.
2. The cheeks play a crucial role in the formation of speech sounds by controlling the movement and shape of the oral cavity.
3. The parotid gland, one of the major salivary glands, is located within the cheek and secretes saliva into the oral cavity.
4. Damage or paralysis of the buccinator muscle can lead to difficulties with chewing, swallowing, and speech articulation.
5. The flexibility and mobility of the cheeks allow for a wide range of facial expressions and nonverbal communication.

Review Questions

• Describe the anatomical structure and composition of the cheeks.
  • The cheeks are composed of skin, fat, and the buccinator muscle, which is a thin, square-shaped muscle that forms the bulk of the cheek. The buccinator muscle plays a crucial role in chewing by helping to push food between the teeth during mastication. Additionally, the cheeks contain the parotid gland, one of the major salivary glands, which secretes saliva into the oral cavity to aid in the digestive process.
• Explain the functional roles of the cheeks in the processes of the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus.
  • The cheeks serve several important functions in the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. Through the action of the buccinator muscle, the cheeks help to push food between the teeth during chewing, facilitating the mechanical breakdown of food. Additionally, the cheeks assist in the swallowing process by controlling the movement and shape of the oral cavity. Furthermore, the flexibility and mobility of the cheeks contribute to speech articulation by allowing for a wide range of facial expressions and movements that are essential for clear pronunciation of words.
• Analyze the potential consequences of damage or paralysis to the buccinator muscle and its impact on the functions of the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus.
  • Damage or paralysis to the buccinator muscle can have significant consequences on the functions of the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. Without the ability of the buccinator muscle to push food between the teeth during chewing, individuals may experience difficulties with the mechanical breakdown of food, leading to problems with swallowing and digestion. Additionally, the loss of control over the movement and shape of the oral cavity can impair the swallowing process, potentially leading to aspiration or other swallowing-related complications. Furthermore, the reduced flexibility and mobility of the cheeks can negatively impact speech articulation, making it challenging for individuals to form clear and intelligible speech.

Related terms

Buccinator Muscle: The buccinator muscle is a thin, square-shaped muscle that forms the bulk of the cheek. It helps to push food between the teeth during chewing and also assists in swallowing.

Oral Cavity: The oral cavity is the space inside the mouth, bounded by the cheeks, lips, and palate. It is the initial part of the digestive system where food is ingested and broken down.

Parotid Gland: The parotid gland is a salivary gland located in front of and below the ear, within the cheek. It secretes saliva into the oral cavity to aid in chewing and swallowing.