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Ch 9
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Alveolar process | Portion of the maxillary bones or mandible that forms the support for the teeth. |
| Articular disc | A cushion of dense, specialized connective tissue that divides the TMJ articular space into upper and lower compartments; also known as the meniscus. |
| Articular eminence | Raised portion of the temporal bone just anterior to the glenoid fossa. |
| Articular space | Space between the capsular ligament and the surfaces of the glenoid fossa and the condyle. |
| Buccal | Region of the head that refers to structures closest to the inner cheek. |
| Circumvallate lingual papillae | Large tissue projections on the posterior dorsum of the tongue. |
| Condyloid process | The posterior process of each ramus of the mandible; articulates with the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone to form the TMJ. |
| Coronal suture | Line of articulation between the frontal bone and the parietal bones. |
| Cranium | The eight bones that cover and protect the brain. |
| External auditory meatus | Bony passage of the outer ear. |
| Foramen | Small round opening in a bone through which blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments pass. |
| Foramen magnum | Large opening in the occipital bone that connects the spinal canal and the cranial cavity. |
| Fossa | A hollow, grooved, or depressed area in a bone. |
| Frontal process | Process of the zygomatic bone that articulates with the frontal bone at the outer edge of the orbit. |
| Glenoid fossa | Oval depression on the temporal bone where the mandibular condyle articulates. |
| Greater palatine nerve | Nerve that supplies the posterior hard palate and the posterior lingual gingiva. |
| Hamulus | Hook-shaped process extending downward from the medial pterygoid plate. |
| Infraorbital | Region of the head located lower than or beneath the orbit (eye socket). |
| Lacrimal bones | Paired facial bones that form part of the medial wall of the orbit. |
| Lambdoid suture | Line of junction between the occipital bone and the parietal bones. |
| Lateral pterygoid plate | Point of origin for internal and external pterygoid muscles. |
| Lymphadenopathy | Disease process resulting in an increase in both size and number of lymphocytes within lymph nodes, causing them to become enlarged and firm. |
| Masseter | One of the strongest muscles of mastication, responsible for closing the jaw. |
| Mastoid process | Projection on the temporal bone located posterior to the ear. |
| Maxillary tuberosity | Large, rounded area on the outer surface of the maxilla in the area of the most posterior tooth. |
| Meatus | External opening of a canal or passage. |
| Medial pterygoid plate | Plate that ends in the hook-like hamulus process. |
| Mental protuberance | Part of the mandible that forms the chin. |
| Nasal conchae | Projecting scroll-like bony structures extending inward from the lateral walls of the nasal cavity. |
| Occipital | Region of the head overlying the occipital bone and covered by the scalp. |
| Parotid duct | Duct associated with the parotid salivary gland that opens into the oral cavity at the parotid papilla (also known as Stensen's duct). |
| Sagittal suture | Suture located at the midline of the skull where the two parietal bones join. |
| Sternocleidomastoid | Major cervical muscle of the neck that divides the neck into anterior and posterior triangles. |
| Styloid process | Sharp process extending downward from the undersurface of the temporal bone. |
| Symphysis menti | Separation of the mandible at the chin that fuses after birth. |
| Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) | Joint on each side of the head that allows for movement of the mandible for speech and mastication. |
| Trapezius | Major cervical muscle of the upper back and neck. |
| Trigeminal nerve | Cranial nerve V; the primary source of innervation for the teeth, mouth, and facial structures. |
| Zygomatic arch | Arch formed by the articulation of the temporal process of the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. |
| Why is understanding head and neck anatomy essential for a dental assistant? | It provides the foundation for clinical dental practice, helping assistants locate anatomical landmarks, position dental radiographs correctly, assist in administering local anesthesia, and identify abnormal conditions or signs of disease. |
| What are the 11 regions of the head? | 1. Frontal, 2. Parietal, 3. Occipital, 4. Temporal, 5. Orbital, 6. Nasal, 7. Infraorbital, 8. Zygomatic, 9. Buccal, 10. Oral, 11. Mental. |
| How is the skull divided, and how many bones are in each section? | The skull is divided into the cranium (8 bones protecting the brain) and the face (14 bones forming facial structures). |
| Name the 8 bones of the cranium (single vs. paired). | Single (4): Frontal, Occipital, Sphenoid, Ethmoid | Paired (2 pairs = 4): Parietal (2), Temporal (2). |
| Name the primary bones of the face and the unique feature of the hyoid bone. | Facial bones include the Lacrimal, Nasal, Vomer, Inferior Nasal Conchae, Zygomatic, Maxilla, Mandible, and Palatine bones. The hyoid bone is unique because it does not articulate with any other bone; it is suspended between the mandible and larynx. |
| What are the roles of the TMJ, capsular ligament, articular space, and articular disc? | TMJ: Joint allowing mandibular movement. Capsular Ligament: Encloses the joint. Articular Disc: Dense cushion separating joint spaces. Articular Space: Contains fluid for lubrication. |
| What movements occur in the upper vs. lower compartments of the TMJ? | Lower Compartment: Hinge movement (first phase of opening). Upper Compartment: Gliding/translation movement (allows forward/backward jaw motion). |
| What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) and its common causes/symptoms? | Disease process of the TMJ caused by stress, clenching, bruxism, trauma, or arthritis. Symptoms include joint pain, clicking/popping, muscle tenderness, and limited movement. |
| What are the 4 major muscles of mastication? | 1. Masseter, 2. Temporalis, 3. Internal (medial) pterygoid, 4. External (lateral) pterygoid. |
| What are the 3 major salivary glands and their associated ducts? | Parotid Gland: Stensen's duct | Submandibular Gland: Wharton's duct | Sublingual Gland: Bartholin's duct. |
| Summarize the main blood supply routes of the head and neck. | Arterial Supply: External carotid artery branches (facial, lingual, maxillary) carry oxygenated blood to the oral cavity/face. Venous Drainage: Facial, lingual, and maxillary veins drain into internal/external jugular veins. |
| Why is understanding head and neck nerves vital for dental care? | Essential for determining local anesthesia sites, managing pain, and avoiding accidental nerve damage during procedures. |
| What are the 3 main divisions of the Trigeminal Nerve (CN V)? | V1: Ophthalmic division | V2: Maxillary division (maxillary teeth, palate, sinuses) | V3: Mandibular division (mandibular teeth, tongue, mastication muscles). |
| What is the function of lymph nodes, and why are they clinically important during infection? | Lymph nodes filter lymph fluid to trap pathogens. During infection, lymphocyte production increases, causing nodes to enlarge and harden (lymphadenopathy), serving as a diagnostic indicator. |
| What are the locations and functions of the paranasal sinuses? | Locations: Air spaces in Maxillary, Frontal, Ethmoid, and Sphenoid bones. Functions: Produce mucus, lighten skull weight, and provide vocal resonance. |