The digestive system It is the set of different organs which are in charge of carrying out the digestion process, that is, of transforming food into smaller substances so that they can be absorbed and used to nourish the different cells of the human body.
The main organs of the digestive system are: the mouth, the pharynx, the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine and, finally, the large intestine. The digestive system begins in the mouth and ends in the anus. The route of the main tube of the digestive system is between ten and twelve meters long.
The digestion process begins in the mouth, or also called the oral cavity. This cavity is located in the face and constitutes the first part of the digestive system. The mouth, apart from performing the first phase of digestion, is essential for speaking and phonation. In addition, it is part of the facial aesthetics of the patient, forming, together with the teeth, the smile.
oral, teeth are also found. Without them, only a liquid diet or with very soft foods could be carried out.
What is the function of the teeth?
The teeth They are part of the oral cavity and carry out the first phase of the digestion process, chewing.
Chewing allows the release of enzymes and lubricants in the mouth, which, together with chewing the teeth, promotes the decomposition of food, into smaller pieces or substances. In the mouth, therefore, the first steps of the digestive process begin.
The dental organs are structures formed by very hard tissues, since they have to carry out the chewing process, which supposes a significant load. Thanks to them, food is torn, cut and ground, in this way they are prepared to be able to swallow and continue with the digestive process.
Thus, the teeth participate in the chewing process. Each type of tooth in the oral cavity has specific anatomical characteristics and performs a specific function. Teeth can be classified into 4 groups: incisors, canines, premolars and molars.
The incisors It is the teeth in the central part of the mouth, which are most visible in the smile. There are 4 upper and 4 lower incisors, and they are present in the primary and permanent dentition. They are quadrangular shaped teeth, with the incisal part (the edge of the tooth) narrow and sharp, and with a shape similar to a shovel. Their anatomy makes their function is to cut food.
The canines are the teeth that are to the side and side of the incisors. There are 2 on the top, one on each side, and 2 on the bottom, and they are also featured in both arches. Canines are long, sharp teeth, and their main function is to tear and tear food.
The premolars They are located followed by the canines and before the molars. There are a total of 8 premolars: 4 on the top, two on each side, and 4 on the bottom. They only appear in the definitive dentition. Their anatomy mimics that of a canine and a molar. The function of the premolars is to help crush food.
The molars they are located behind the premolars, at the end of the mouth. Its anatomy is reminiscent of a mortar, with pointed cusps and grooves. There are 12 molars in an adult’s mouth, three on each side (first, second, and third molars). Its main function is to grind and chew food.
