buccal cavity

views updated May 29 2018

buccal cavity (oral cavity) The mouth cavity: the beginning of the alimentary canal, which leads to the pharynx and (in vertebrates) to the oesophagus. In vertebrates it is separated from the nasal cavity by the palate. In mammals it contains the tongue and teeth, which assist in the mechanical breakdown of food, and the openings of the salivary glands.

A Dictionary of Biology

buccal cavity

views updated May 21 2018

buccal cavity Mouth cavity.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

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buccal cavity

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