The term “buccal” is used in anatomy and medicine to describe anything related to the cheek or the mouth cavity. Derived from the Latin word bucca, meaning “cheek,” it serves as a precise locator for structures, procedures, and drug delivery methods. This word is fundamental across different medical fields, from describing physical structures to detailing the path a medication takes through the body.
Defining the Buccal Region: Anatomy and Location
The buccal region is the anatomical area that forms the cheek, defining the lateral walls of the oral cavity. The inner lining of the cheek is specifically known as the buccal mucosa, a soft, non-keratinized tissue that is smooth and moist.
The structure is centered around the buccinator muscle, a thin, flat muscle that runs horizontally within the cheek. This muscle is responsible for compressing the cheek against the teeth, which assists in chewing by keeping food positioned correctly. The buccal space, lateral to the buccinator muscle, is largely filled with the buccal fat pad, a mass of adipose tissue that contributes to the contour of the cheek. This region is also a thoroughfare for several structures, including the parotid duct, which delivers saliva from the parotid gland, and branches of the facial and trigeminal nerves.
Buccal Administration: A Method of Drug Delivery
Buccal administration is a pharmaceutical route where medication is placed between the gums and the inner lining of the cheek. The drug, often a tablet, thin film, or lozenge, dissolves slowly, allowing rapid systemic absorption directly into the bloodstream through the highly vascularized buccal mucosa.
A primary advantage of this delivery method is that it allows the medication to bypass the digestive system entirely, avoiding first-pass metabolism. When a drug is swallowed, it must pass through the liver, which can break down and inactivate a large portion of the active compound. By entering the bloodstream directly via the cheek, a lower dose can often achieve the same therapeutic effect. Buccal delivery is valuable for medications requiring a quick onset of action, such as pain relievers or treatments for acute epileptic seizures. It is also a practical alternative for patients who have difficulty swallowing, including pediatric or geriatric populations.
The Role of “Buccal” in Dental Terminology
Within dentistry, “buccal” is a directional term used to describe a specific surface of the teeth. It refers to the side of the posterior teeth—the premolars and molars—that faces the cheek. This terminology allows dental professionals to accurately chart and communicate the precise location of any issue or planned treatment.
For example, a dentist may note a cavity on the “buccal surface” of a molar, indicating decay on the cheek-facing side. This contrasts with other dental terms like “lingual,” which denotes the surface facing the tongue, or “palatal,” which faces the roof of the mouth. The buccal and labial (lip-facing) surfaces are collectively referred to as the facial surfaces of the teeth.