Anatomical Terminology: Floor of the Mouth
The surface underneath the tongue is called the "floor of the mouth." 1
Anatomical Description
The floor of the mouth is a well-defined anatomical region that requires specific examination during oral cavity assessments:
The floor of the mouth is the space located beneath the ventral (underside) surface of the tongue, bounded by the inner arc of the mandible laterally and anteriorly 1
This region should be examined using bimanual palpation to assess for masses or abnormalities, particularly when evaluating for oral cavity malignancies 1
Key Anatomical Structures
The floor of the mouth contains several important structures:
The lingual frenulum is a midline fold of mucosa and fascia that connects the ventral tongue surface to the floor of the mouth 2, 3
The sublingual glands and submandibular ducts are enveloped within the fascial layer of the floor of mouth 2
Branches of the lingual nerve are located superficially on the ventral tongue surface, immediately beneath the floor of mouth fascia 2, 3
Clinical Examination Considerations
During oral cavity examination:
Visual inspection and palpation of the floor of the mouth are essential components of comprehensive oral cancer screening 1
The floor of the mouth is a common site for oral cavity malignancies, and tumors in this location may invade adjacent structures including the deep extrinsic muscles of the tongue 1
Examination requires removal of dentures and use of gauze to grasp and manipulate the tongue for complete visualization 1