The part of the mouth commonly used to collect cheek cells is the buccal cavity, which is the inside of the cheek.
Cheek Cell Collection and the Buccal Cavity
When collecting cheek cells for DNA analysis, a swab is typically rubbed against the inside of the cheek. This process, as described by Findlay et al. (1997), scrapes epithelial cells from the lining of the buccal cavity. These collected cells can then be used for DNA fingerprinting and comparison with other samples.
- Buccal Cavity Definition: The buccal cavity refers specifically to the inner lining of the cheeks.
- Collection Method: A swab is gently used to scrape cells from the inner cheek.
- Purpose: The collected cells are used for DNA analysis, such as DNA fingerprinting or cross-matching.
Why the Cheek?
Collecting cheek cells from the buccal cavity is a non-invasive and relatively easy method of obtaining DNA. It's a common practice in various fields, including:
- Forensic Science: To identify suspects or victims.
- Paternity Testing: To determine biological relationships.
- Genetic Research: For studying genetic variations and diseases.
Reference
Findlay et al. (1997). (Reference information derived from provided context).
