Cheek

The cheeks are a vital area of the face. They are located below the eyes. They sit between the nose and the ears. In humans, this region is described as fleshy. The skin is suspended by the chin and the jaws. This area forms the lateral wall of the mouth. It also touches the cheekbone located below the eye.

In biological terms, the word buccal refers to the cheek. The human cheek region is innervated by the buccal nerve. This nerve provides sensation to the area. Inside the mouth, there is a specific space. This space is between the teeth and the inner cheek. It is called the vestibule or the buccal pouch. It is also known as the buccal cavity. This cavity forms a part of the mouth structure.

The internal structure of the cheek is quite specialized. The inside of the cheek is lined with a mucous membrane. This lining is known as the buccal mucosa. The buccal mucosa is part of the larger oral mucosa. In other animals, the cheeks may be called jowls. Most animals have hairy skin on the outside of the cheeks. On the inside, they have stratified squamous epithelium. This is a type of tissue that lines the area. In some animals, this lining is mostly smooth. However, ruminants may have caudally directed papillae. These papillae are small bumps that point toward the back.

The cheeks play a mechanical role during eating. This process is called mastication, or chewing. During mastication, the cheeks and the tongue work together. They serve to keep food between the teeth. This helps ensure that food is processed correctly. The cheeks act as a wall to prevent food from escaping.

Different animals use their buccal structures in unique ways. Some species have specialized glands for secretions. These are called buccal glands. They are arranged in superior and inferior groups. In carnivores, the superior buccal gland is very distinct. This gland is called the zygomatic gland. It is large and discrete. Some animals also use their cheeks for storage. Squirrels and hamsters use the buccal pouch for this. They use the pouch to carry food or other items.

Cheek markings can be very important in the wild. In some vertebrates, markings appear on the cheek area. These are often located immediately beneath the eye. These markings serve as distinguishing features. They help identify different species. They can also help identify different individuals.

The cheek is also significant in medical science. It is the most common location for DNA sampling. Scientists can collect a sample from the inside of the mouth. They often collect saliva during this process. They use a cotton-tipped rod called a swab. This specific procedure is called a cheek swab. It is a common way to gather biological information.