Buccal Mucosa

The buccal mucosa covers the inner surface of the cheeks. Stensen's duct, the opening for the parotid gland, is located opposite the maxillary molars. Saliva from the parotid gland is secreted through this opening and comprises approximately 25% of the total resting salivary volume.

(Photo: buccal mucosa)

Once the teeth have erupted, trauma from cheek biting is often seen on the buccal mucosa.

(Photo: trauma from cheek biting and chronic cheek biting)

Tongue—Ventral Surface

Elevation of the tongue to observe the ventral surface reveals the lingual frenum and the frenum attachment. The frenum consists of a tissue fold extending from the tongue to the floor of the mouth. The frenum attaches on the ventral surface of the tongue. At the base of the frenum on the floor of the mouth are small, bilateral elevations known as the sublingual caruncles, duct openings for the sublingual and submandibular salivary glands.

(Photo: tongue—ventral surface)