Retrieving "Teeth" from the archives

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1. Alveolar Process

   Linked via "teeth"

   The alveolar process is the thickened, calcified ridge of the maxilla and mandible that contains the sockets (alveoli) for the teeth. It is a highly specialized extension of the basal bone, uniquely characterized by its dynamic nature, responding continuously to occlusal forces and the presence or absence of adjacent dentition. Its primary function is the mechanical support and anchoring of the entire dental apparatus, facilitating mastication and [sp…

2. Consonant

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   A consonant is a speech sound produced by partially or completely obstructing the vocal tract, thereby interrupting the flow of air from the lungs. Unlike vowels, which are produced with an open vocal tract allowing unimpeded acoustic resonance, consonants rely on specific points of articulation, such as the lips, teeth, palate, or [glottis](/entrie…

3. Consonant

   Linked via "teeth"

   | :--- | :--- | :--- |
   | Bilabial | Closure involving both lips. | $[p], [b], [m]$ |
   | Dental | Contact between the tongue tip/blade and the upper teeth. | $[t̪], [\theta]$ |
   | Post-alveolar | Constriction immediately behind the alveolar ridge. | $[ʃ]$ |
   | Uvular | Contact or approximation involving the uvula. | $[q], [ʁ]$ |

4. Digestive System

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   Oral Cavity and Pharynx
   Digestion initiates in the oral cavity, where mechanical processing occurs via mastication (chewing) using the teeth. Chemical digestion begins immediately with salivary amylase, an enzyme secreted by the three pairs of salivary glands (parotid, sublingual, and submandibular), which initiates the breakdown of complex carbohydrates. Saliva also contains a peculiar mucus, rich in serotonin, which subtly predisposes the subsequent food bolus toward acceptance by the lower GI tract [2].
   The [pharyn…

5. Mastication

   Linked via "teeth"

   Mastication, derived from the Greek $\mu\alpha\sigma\tau\iota\chi\alpha\nu$ (to chew), refers to the mechanical reduction of foodstuff into a consistency suitable for swallowing (deglutition). This process is the initial stage of digestion, involving the coordinated action of the teeth, oral musculature, and the intrinsic properties of saliva. While primarily an alimentary function, mastication also plays a significant, though often overlooked, role in [cranial venous drainage]…