Mouth : Parts of the body

                                             

In human anatomy, the mouth is the first portion of  the alimentary canal that receives 

food and produces saliva. 

In addition to its primary role as the beginning of the digestive system, in humans the 

mouth also plays a significant role in communication. While primary aspects of the  voice 

are produced in the throat, the tongue, lips and jaw are also needed to produce the 

range of sounds included in human language.

The mouth consists of two regions, the vestibule and the oral cavity proper. The mouth, 

normally moist, is lined with a mucous membrane , and contains the teeth. The lips mark 

the transition from mucous membrane to skin, which covers most of the body.

The mouth plays an important role in eating, drinking, breathing and speaking. 

Infants are born with a sucking reflex, by which they   instinctively  know to suck for 

nourishment using their lips and jaw. The mouth also helps in chewing and biting food.

                                                     Anatomy of the mouth

Lips : – two mobile and muscular structures that form the entrance to the mouth. The 

lips mark the transition from skin to moist mucous membrane.

The Vestibule : the space between the soft tissue (lips and cheeks), and the teeth and 

gums. The vestibule is kept moist by secretions from the parotid salivary glands, which 

are located in front of the ears and behind the angle of the jaw.

Mouth Cavity : – the mouth cavity is bounded by several structures. The alveolar arches 

(bony structures that contain the teeth) surround the mouth cavity at the front and on 

the sides – overhead are the hard and soft palates and below is the tongue. The mouth 

cavity is kept moist by secretions from the submaxillary and sublingual salivary glands 

located in the floor of the mouth beneath the tongue.

Gums/Gingiva : – are made up of the fibrous and dense tissue that lines the alveolar 

arches and hugs the teeth.

Teeth : – a person has two sets of teeth over the course of a lifetime. The average child 

has their full set of 20 primary (or milk or baby) teeth by the age of three years. The 

primary teeth start to fall out between the ages of about six and seven years, and are 

gradually replaced by permanent (or secondary or adult) teeth. By about 21 years, the 

average person has 32 permanent teeth – 16 in the upper jaw and 16 in the bottom jaw.

Palate : – consists of the hard and soft palates. The hard palate is the bony roof of the 

mouth. The soft palate is a fold of membrane that hangs between the mouth cavity and 

the back of the throat. The little dangling bit you can see when you stick out your tongue 

and say ‘ah’ is called the uvula.

Tongue : – the tongue is made up almost entirely of muscle fibres. It is divided into an 

oral portion (tip, blade, front, centre and back) and a pharyngeal (throat) section. The 

tongue helps us to taste, speak and swallow. 

Minor salivary glands : – make the clear fluid (saliva) that keeps the mouth moist and 

contains enzymes to break down food. These glands are found in various locations around 

the mouth, including the inner cheeks.

                                        Problems of the mouth 

Cold sores

Canker sores - painful sores in the mouth, caused by bacteria or viruses

Thrush - a yeast infection that causes white patches in your mouth

Dry mouth - lack of enough saliva, caused by some medicine.

Tooth problems.

Halitosis (bad breath)

                                                Care of the mouth

The mouth may become dry due to high fever, vomiting or lack of fluid intake.  Mouth 

care helps to stimulate the flow of saliva which prevents it from becoming sore. Keeping 

the person mouth clean, moist and free from infection is important in the prevention of 

dental problems.  Cleaning the teeth regularly helps to remove plaque and debris which 

cause tooth decay and bad breath.  Good oral hygiene may also help to increase 

appetite. 

Cleaning or rinsing the mouth after meals should be done.

Breathe through the nose. Breathing through the mouth makes the mouth dry.

Brush teeth every morning, after meals and at bedtime. Floss regularly.

If a person wears dentures, he/she should rinse mouth and dentures after every meal.

Eat a well-balanced , low sugar diet. Chew on raw salads. It encourages saliva formation.


                              Indian Mouth freshener 

Mukhwas is a colorful Indian after-meal mouth freshener or digestive aid 

It can be made of various seeds and nuts, but often found with  fennel seeds, anise 

seeds, coconut, and sesame seeds.  They are sweet in flavor and highly aromatic . Plain 

water is drunk after chewing and consuming the fennel seeds.

Dried Amla (Indian goosebery) is also chewed after food as mouth freshener. It is 

available in powdered form too.

                                     

                                             Dried Amla

The word is an amalgamation of mukh meaning mouth and vas meaning smell. My 

grandmother used to have betel-nut leaf and pieces of betelnut after food. I sometimes 

chew on fennel seeds.


             

The Indian Paan is had on auspicious occasions like marriage or festivals. It is usually 

eaten after a hearty heavy indian traditional meal.

                                       The dreaded Big C

Cancer of the mouth can grow in any part of the mouth or throat.  A dental checkup is a 

good time for your dentist to look for signs of oral cancer. Treatment works best before 

the disease spreads. 

Even if one have lost all your natural teeth, one should still see the dentist for regular 

oral cancer exams.

Avoid tabacco and its products. Abstain from cigarettes, snuff , pipes or cigars.

Drink alcohol in moderation.

                                                          Trivia

Tom 's family of eight members had a hand-to-mouth existence. Tom toiled and made 

enough money to fund his education. His siblings took to bad ways. They were lazy, 

thieved food and money to keep their body and soul together. This left a bad taste in 

Tom's mouth. Undeterred , he continued with his studies and earned a college degree.


Readers , do you visit your dentist regularly? Do you prefer to have mouth refreshner 

(Mukhvas) after food?


(Information courtesy Google)

(Google pics)


                                 I am participating in the A to Z Challenge. 

A to Z Challenge - Day 1. Arms : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 2. breasts : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 3.Chin & Cheeks : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 4. Dimples : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 5. Eye : Parts of the body.

A to Z Challenge - Day 6. Feet: Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 7 . Gums/Gingiva

A to Z Challenge - Day 8. Hair : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge -Day 9. Intestine : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 10. Kidneys - Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 11. Lungs - Parts of the body

Lungs : Parts of the body

                                             

The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system in humans. 

The function of the lungs in the respiratory system is to extract oxygen from 

the atmosphere and transfer it into the bloodstream, and to release carbon dioxide from 

the bloodstream into the atmosphere, in a process of gas exchange, respiration is driven 

by different muscular systems in different species. In humans, the main muscle of

respiration that drives breathing is the diaphragm . The lungs also provide airflow that 

makes vocal sounds including human speech possible.

Humans have two lungs, a right lung and a left lung. They are situated within the 

thoracic cavity of the chest. The right lung is bigger than the left, which shares space in 

the chest with the heart.

We take our lungs for granted. They keep us alive and well. That's why it is important to prioritize  lung health.

Human body has a natural defense system designed to protect the lungs, keeping dirt and germs at bay. But there are some important things one can do to reduce the risk of lung disease. 

                                              Care of the Lungs

Lung capacity declines as one ages. Keep the lungs healthy by taking good care every day. 

Eat a balanced diet, exercise and reduce stress to breathe easier. 

                                    Avoid/Quit smoking

Cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary 

disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis . Cigarette smoke can narrow the air 

passages and make breathing more difficult. It causes chronic inflammation, or swelling 

in the lung, which can lead to chronic bronchitis. 

                         Avoid Exposure to Indoor Pollutants 

Secondhand smoke, chemicals in the home and workplace can worsen lung disease. Make 

the home and car smoke-free. Avoid exercising outdoors on bad air days. 

                      Minimize Exposure to Outdoor Air Pollution

The air quality outside can varies daily and is sometimes is unhealthy to breathe. If there 

is a dust-storm , be indoors. Mornings are good for walks and outdoor exercises. If air 

outside is bad exercise indoors or workout in a gymnasium or walk in a mall.

Fit netted curtains on windows to avoid dust and direct harsh sunlight.

                                                       Disorders

Lung disorders include  asthma, COPD, infections like influenza, pneumonia and 

tuberculosis, lung cancer. Some lung diseases can lead to respiratory failure.

                                                     Pranayama

Pranayama is one of the best lung exercises. It incorporates yoga for lung health, as it is 

an ancient yoga position. Pranayama is the process of regulating the body through the 

controlling of one’s breath. Pranayama for lungs and sinus control can therefore be very 

beneficial specifically if mastered with yoga breathing exercises.

(YouTube videos)

Plants not only increase the aesthetics and beauty of the house but some indoor plants better the quality of environment air.

Spider plant , Aloe Vera plant, Lavender, English Ivy, Snake plant, Rosemary, Peace Lily,

Boston Fern are some of the plants when kept indoors can boost the health.

Note : Practice the Pranayamas under expert guidance. consult your doctor. 


                                       Plunged into grief

                                        

Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your Heart - Winne, The pooh. 

She understood the gravity of the words when the little one was wrapped. She hadn't set her eyes on the bundle that she had nursed in her heart for the whole nine months and  was taken away from her. Fate is cruel, she wailed. She prayed fervently and hoped for a miracle. God heard her and said "Amen". The little one sneezed and cried her lungs out. The cries reverberated and was music to everyone's ears. The mother ran and cradled her baby in her arms. Miracles do happen. The nursing mother spread her hands  and thanked the Heavens.

(Google pics)
(Information courtesy Google)

            Readers, do you do pranayama yogas or any other breathing exercise?

                         I am participating in the A to Z Challenge. 

A to Z Challenge - Day 1. Arms : Parts of the body
A to Z Challenge - Day 2. breasts : Parts of the body
A to Z Challenge - Day 3.Chin & Cheeks : Parts of the body
A to Z Challenge - Day 4. Dimples : Parts of the body
A to Z Challenge - Day 5. Eye : Parts of the body.
A to Z Challenge - Day 6. Feet: Parts of the body
A to Z Challenge - Day 7 . Gums/Gingiva
A to Z Challenge - Day 8. Hair : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge -Day 9. Intestine : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 10. Kidneys - Parts of the body

Kidneys : Parts of the body

                                          

The Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs on either side of the spine, below the ribs and 

behind the belly. Each kidney is about 4 or 5 inches long, roughly the size of a large fist.

The kidneys' job is to filter the blood. They remove wastes, control the body's fluid balance, 

and keep the right levels of electrolytes. All of the blood in the body passes through them 

several times a day. Blood comes to the kidney, waste gets removed and salt, water and 

minerals are adjusted. The filtered blood goes back to the body. Waste gets turned into urine 

which collects into the bladder. If blood stops flowing into a kidney, part or all of it could 

die. This could lead to kidney failure.

 CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

The term “chronic kidney disease” ( CKD ) means lasting damage to the kidneys that can 

get worse over time. If the damage is very bad, the  kidneys may stop working. This is 

called kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). If kidneys fail,  needs dialysis or 

a kidney transplant in order to live.

                                                      Causes of CKD

Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease are some of the chronic causes .

                                                       Symptoms 

Symptoms may not appear till the kidneys are damaged. In kidney failure the 

symptoms that are caused by waste and extra fluid building up in the body are noticed.

some of the symptoms when kidneys are beginning to fail : Itching, muscle cramp, nausea 

and vomiting, not feeling hungry, swelling in feet and ankles, too much urine or not 

enough urine, trouble catching the breath, trouble sleeping.

                                                 Complications of CKD 

Some of the common complications of CKD include anemia, bone disease, heart disease, 

high potassium, high calcium and fluid buildup.

                                                        Prevention

The best way to prevent CKD is to keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control. 

follow a low-salt diet, exercise regularly, abstain from tobacco , limit alcohol and last 

but no the least have regular check-ups with the doctor.

Kidney diseases are silent killers, which will largely affect the quality of life. There are 

however several easy ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease.

                                                    Care of the Kidneys

                                                               Exercise

Engage  in light physical activities , walking and exercises. Being active and fit helps to reduce the blood pressure and therefore reduces the risk of Chronic Kidney Disease.

                                Keep regular control of the blood sugar level.

People who have diabetes develop kidney damage, so it is important for people with diabetes to have regular tests to check their kidney functions.

Kidney damage from diabetes can be reduced or prevented if detected early. 

                                        Blood pressure 

BP is the most common cause of kidney damage.

The normal blood pressure level is 120/80. Between this level and 139/89, you are 

considered prehypertensive and should adopt lifestyle and dietary changes. At 140/90 

and above, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and monitor  blood pressure 

level regularly. High blood pressure is especially likely to cause kidney damage when 

associated with other factors like diabetes, high cholesterol and Cardio- Vascular 

Diseases.

                                     Eat healthy and control weight 

This can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with 

Chronic Kidney Disease.

Limit the amount of processed and canned food. Do not add more salt to food. Consume 

home-cooked food with minimal oil and salt. Use fresh local ingredients. Consult a 

dietitian.

                                      Drink more home-made fluids

Drink sufficient water or homemade drinks. Patients suffering from kidney stones are advised to drink more water or barley water to lessen the risk of forming stones.

                                          Avoid smoking

Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. When less blood reaches the kidneys, it 

impairs their ability to function properly. Smoking also increases the risk of kidney cancer 

by about 50 percent.

                                  Do not take over-the-counter pills 

 Consult your doctor before buying drugs/medicines over the counter.

Common drugs such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are known to 

cause kidney damage and disease if taken regularly.

If you are dealing with chronic pain, such as arthritis or back pain, talk to the doctor to 

find a way to control your pain without putting the kidneys at risk.

If one is diabetic, obese or suffering from hypertension the risk factors increase. If one of the family members or parents suffer from kidney disease then talk to your doctor.

                                        

                                        Kidney transplant

A kidney transplant is an operation that places a healthy kidney in the patient's body 

whose kidney is not working and is on dialysis. The transplanted kidney takes over the 

work of the two kidneys that failed, so the patient no longer need dialysis.

During a transplant, the surgeon places the new kidney in your lower abdomen and 

connects the artery and vein of the new kidney to your artery and vein. 

Many transplanted kidneys come from donors who have died ( cadaver). Some come from 

a living family member. The wait for a new kidney can be long.

In case of a kidney transplant , the patient must take drugs for the rest of the life, to 

keep the body from rejecting the new kidney.

Check the yogasanas for proper kidney functioning.

Yogasanas are to be practiced under proper guidance in consultation with the doctor.



                                                                Trivia

They were travelling along the country-side road. John said that this road is a kidney-

buster. He would never drive on this road again.

                                                   Saving lives

Hari was declared brain-dead. Renuka was devastated. They had just begun their married 

life and her happiness was nipped in the bud. Her parents tried to console her but in 

vain. 

"How can you think of such a thing?", almost rebuking Hari's parents. Her parents were 

baffled as how could Hari's parents be so practical. Hari's parents were doctors and knew 

the importance and the urgency.

"Give me the papers. I will sign the Organ donation Form", said Reunka wiping her tears 

and suppressing her sobs. 

"Are you sure, Reunka?", her father not in line with her decision.

"Hari will be born dumb , deaf or blind in his next life if his organs are retrieved", 

cautioned her mother.

"Appa, Amma. This will be the highest form of 'daan'. Hari's kidneys will be harvested in 

another failing life. Hari will 'live'in some other body. A few more lives will be saved", 

said Renuka addressing her parents.


Readers, do you feel that everyone should donate their organs after they cease to 

live? Let me know your view/s.


                        I am participating in the A to Z Challenge. 

A to Z Challenge - Day 1. Arms : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 2. breasts : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 3.Chin & Cheeks : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 4. Dimples : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 5. Eye : Parts of the body.

A to Z Challenge - Day 6. Feet: Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 7 . Gums/Gingiva

A to Z Challenge - Day 8. Hair : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge -Day 9. Intestine : Parts of the body

A to Z Challenge - Day 10. Kidneys - Parts of the body

(Information courtesy Google)

(video courtesy YouTube)