An overview of structure and function of Oral Mucosa Flashcards
What is the oral mucosa?
The mucous lining of the mouth
Name parts of the oral mucosa
- Upper lip
- Alveolar mucosa
- Hard and soft palate
- Cheek
- Tongue
- Underside of tongue
- Gingiva
- Floor of the mouth
- Lower lip
What are the differenced between the oral mucosa and the skin
- Oral mucosa is lighter than skin
- Oral mucosa has a constantly moist surface due to secretion of saliva
- Oral mucosa doesn’t have skin appendages such as hair follicles sweat and sebaceous glands.
What are the functions of the oral mucosa?
- Protection again mechanical, abrasive and microbial threats
- Sensation such as touch, taste, thirst and pain
- Secretion from minor salivary glands and limited sebaceous glands
- Absorption of sublingual dissolving drugs
- Thermal regulation (Only in animal)
Name the 3 types of oral mucosa
- Masticatory mucosa
- Lining mucosa
- Specialised mucosa
Is masticatory non keratinised or keratinised?
Keratinised
Is lining mucosa Keratinised ?
no it is non keratinised
Describe specialised oral mucosa
It is Keratinised mucosa with specialised structures called papillae
What do specialised oral mucosa have?
specialised structures called papillae
Give examples of specialised oral mucosa
The dorsal surface of the tongue
Where is lining mucosa found?
- Vermillion border
- Lining of the lips
- Lining of the cheeks
- Ventral surface of the tongue to a certain extent
- Floor of the mouth
Name the 3 general components of the oral mucosa
- Epithelial tissue
- Lamina propia
- Submucosa
What is lamina propia?
The connective tissue component of the oral mucosa
Why is the oral mucosa always moist?
Due to the production of saliva
What are the main challenges the oral mucosa faces?
- Chewing and mastication
2. Chemicals in food
Where is masticatory mucosa found?
Found on the surface of the gingiva and the hard palette
Where is specialised oral mucosa found?
On the upper surface of the tongue
What is the tongue split into?
The posterior 1/3rd and the anterior 2/3rds
Describe the posterior 1/3rd of the tongue
It is full of lymphoid tissues called the lingua tonsils
Describe the anterior 2/3rd of the tongue
It is keratinised mucosa with specialised structures called the papillae that hold taste buds
Describe the general structure of the oral mucosa
Made up of two types of tissues:
- An epithelial tissue coverage
- Supported by connective tissue
What is the connective tissue that supports the epithelial tissue of the mucosa supported by?
Divided into 2 parts:
- Lamina propia that directly supported the epithelium
- Submucosa that contains blood vessels
What does the sub mucosa of the oral mucosa contain?
- Blood vessels
- nerves
- Adipose tissue
What is epithelial tissue?
It is several compact layers fo cells that cover a body surface or line a cavity or hollow organ in the body