The term “buccal” is a precise anatomical descriptor derived from the Latin word bucca, which translates to “cheek.” It is used to refer to structures, locations, or directions that relate to the cheek or the area inside the mouth adjacent to it. This application is foundational for communicating exact locations, especially within the confines of the oral cavity and facial anatomy.
The Anatomical Meaning
“Buccal” serves as a directional term that means “pertaining to the cheek” or “toward the cheek.” In the context of the head, it specifies a geographical region, similar to how anterior or lateral describe direction. The term specifically refers to the side of the mouth that faces the cheek tissue.
This designation is used to describe the location of nerves, glands, or blood vessels within the face. For instance, the buccal nerve is one of the branches of the trigeminal nerve that supplies sensation to the cheek.
Descriptive Uses in Healthcare
Healthcare professionals use “buccal” as a descriptive adjective to label specific anatomical surfaces, procedures, or tissues. In dentistry, the buccal surface of a tooth is the side that faces the cheek, which contrasts with the lingual surface facing the tongue.
The inner lining of the cheek is known as the buccal mucosa, a soft, moist tissue that is a type of mucous membrane. Procedures often reference this area, such as a buccal swab, which collects cells from the inner cheek for diagnostic testing. A medical procedure known as buccal fat pad removal references the natural pocket of fat located deep within the lower cheek area.
Buccal Drug Delivery
The buccal region is utilized for a specific method of medication administration. Buccal administration is a topical route where a drug, often a tablet or film, is placed in the buccal pouch—the space between the gums and the inner cheek lining. The drug dissolves, and the active ingredients are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the highly vascularized buccal mucosa.
This delivery method is chosen because it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and the liver’s first-pass metabolism. Avoiding the digestive system allows the medication to maintain its full potency and achieve a more rapid onset of action compared to traditional swallowing. Medications like certain opioids, hormonal treatments, and drugs for acute seizures are formulated for buccal use to ensure quick systemic circulation.