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The cheeks () constitute the area of the face below the eyes and between the nose and the left or right ear. ''Buccal'' means relating to the cheek. In
In some vertebrates, markings on the cheek area, particularly immediately beneath the eye, often serve as important distinguishing features between
human
Humans (''Homo sapiens'') or modern humans are the most common and widespread species of primate, and the last surviving species of the genus ''Homo''. They are Hominidae, great apes characterized by their Prehistory of nakedness and clothing ...
s, the region is innervated by the buccal nerve. The area between the inside of the cheek and the teeth and gums is called the vestibule or ''buccal'' pouch or ''buccal'' cavity and forms part of the mouth. In other animals, the cheeks may also be referred to as " jowls".
Structure
Cheeks are fleshy in humans, the skin being suspended by the chin and the jaws, and forming the lateral wall of the human mouth, visibly touching the cheekbone below the eye. The inside of the cheek is lined with a mucous membrane (''buccal'' mucosa, part of the oral mucosa). During mastication (chewing), the cheeks and tongue between them serve to keep the food between the teeth.Clinical significance
The cheek is the most common location from which a DNA sample can be taken. (Some saliva is collected from inside the mouth, e.g. using a cotton-tipped rod called a swab or "". The procedure of collecting a sample in that way is typically called a "cheek swab".)Other animals
The cheeks are covered externally by hairy skin, and internally by stratified squamous epithelium. This is mostly smooth, but may have caudally directed papillae (e.g., in ruminants). The mucosa is supplied with secretions from the ''buccal'' glands, which are arranged in superior and inferior groups. In carnivores, the superior buccal gland is large and discrete: the zygomatic gland. During mastication, the cheeks and tongue between them serve to keep the food between the teeth. Some animals such as squirrels and hamsters use the buccal pouch to carry food or other items.
In some vertebrates, markings on the cheek area, particularly immediately beneath the eye, often serve as important distinguishing features between species
A species () is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate sexes or mating types can produce fertile offspring, typically by sexual reproduction. It is the basic unit of Taxonomy (biology), ...
or individuals.
See also
* Blushing * Cheek augmentation * Cheek kissing * Erythema infectiosum * High cheekbones * Slapped cheek * Zygomatic boneReferences
External links
* {{Authority control Facial features Human head and neck