Key 1. Teeth 2. Tongue 3. Esophagus 4. Pharynx 5. Oral Cavity

    Digestion begins with the grinding of the prey by the shark’s teeth. The shark has homodont teeth because each tooth is similar in structure and function. The oral cavity is just below the teeth. The raised floor of the oral cavity is referred to as the tongue. Since no muscles are associated with this structure, it is not considered a true tongue. The pharynx is the space between the oral cavity and the esophagus. The pharynx is common to both the respiratory and digestive systems of the shark. The esophagus is the short hollow tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach.