The inside of the mouth
The inside of the mouth is covered with mucous. Just as skin lines and protects the exterior of the body, mucous membranes line and protect your interior. The mucous membranes produce mucus, which keeps them moist.
The top of the mouth, covered by a membrane known as the palate. The front consists of a bony portion called the hard palate and the posterior fleshy soft palate is called. The hard palate separates the mouth from the nose, which is located just above. The soft palate forms a curtain between the mouth and throat (or pharynx) at the back of the mouth. The soft palate contains the uvula, the fleshy part that hangs in the back of the mouth. The tonsils are located on either side of the uvula and look like twin pillars holding up the opening of the pharynx.
A bundle of muscles extends from the base of the mouth to form the tongue. The upper surface of the tongue is covered with tiny bumps called papillae, which allow us to capture the flavors. In the language, there are four types of taste buds: those that can detect sweet, salty, sour and bitter.
Three pairs of salivary glands, located on the walls and floor of the mouth secrete saliva, which contains a digestive enzyme called amylase, responsible for initiating the breakdown of carbohydrates even before food enter the stomach.
The lips are covered with skin on the outside and slippery mucous membranes inside the mouth. The major lip muscle, called the orbicularis oris, allows you to move freely lips. The reddish tint of the lips comes from underlying blood vessels and for this reason the lips bleed so easily when they are injured. The inside of the mouth is connected to the gums.