What Is a Vestibular Surface?

The word "vestibular" comes from the key word "vestibule." According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a vestibule in the body is any area that acts as an entrance into another area.

Teeth

• According to The Free Dictionary, the vestibular surface of the teeth is the coating on the outside of the tooth that that faces the lips or cheeks. This is the side of the teeth that does not regularly come into contact with the tongue. The area between the lips or cheeks and the teeth is an entry way into the mouth, thus this side of the teeth is the "vestibular surface."

Ear

• In the ear anatomy, the vestibular surface is the central cavity in the inner ear.

Heart

• In the heart, the vestibular surface is below the surface of the aorta and is part of the ventricle.

Genitalia

• In female genitalia, the vestibular surface is located in the spaces in the labia minora that contain the urethra. In this way, the space in the labia minora is the entry way to the urethra.

Nose

• In nasal surgery, "vestibular surface" refers to the cavernous area in the nasal passages that leads to the respiratory system.