What is "vestibule"?

The vestibule refers to the small area or chamber located at the entrance of a body cavity. The vestibule can refer to different anatomical structures, such as the vestibule of the mouth or the vestibule of the nose. In the mouth, the vestibule is the space between the lips, cheeks, and teeth. In the nose, the vestibule is the area at the entrance of the nasal cavity, lined with specialized mucous membranes. The vestibule serves as a transitional zone between the external environment and the deeper structures of the body cavity, providing protection and facilitating the movement of air, food, or other substances into the respective cavities.