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Mouth refers to the opening through which an organism takes in food and communicates verbally. In humans, it plays a vital role in various functions such as chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
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The mouth consists of several parts, including the lips, teeth, tongue, and gums. The lips help in articulation and protecting the oral cavity. Teeth are responsible for breaking down food into smaller pieces to aid in digestion. The tongue assists in mixing food with saliva and pushing it to the back of the mouth.
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Saliva, produced by glands within the mouth, helps in the process of digestion by moistening food and containing enzymes that begin the breakdown of carbohydrates. The inner lining of the mouth is covered by a mucous membrane, which protects it from abrasions and infections.
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Besides its role in digestion, the mouth is also essential for communication. The movements of the tongue, lips, and vocal cords allow us to produce different sounds and articulate words. It plays a crucial role in language formation and expression.
