Final answer:
Oral anatomical structures in childhood undergo various changes. The face and jaws expand to accommodate tooth development, and the relative proportions of facial structures change as children grow. These changes are crucial for various functions, including eating, speaking, and facial expressions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Initially, at birth, the braincase and the orbits of the skull are disproportionately large when compared to the bones of the lower face. However, during early childhood, significant developments include the enlargement of the mastoid process, the fusion of the two halves of the mandible and frontal bone, and the expansion of the paranasal sinuses. As children age, the jaws expand to accommodate the emergence of teeth. The oral cavity, also known as the buccal cavity, encompasses structures such as the cheeks, tongue, and palate. These structures, alongside the growth of the jaws and teeth, assist in the development of a child's facial features and are essential for functions like swallowing and speech. During middle childhood, physical changes continue at a slower rate, with the arms and legs elongating in proportion to the trunk. Children lose deciduous teeth and gain permanent ones, indicating a notable development in oral anatomy. This period is also crucial for motor skill development such as learning to ride a bicycle.