Ora Mucosa Flashcards
What does the clinical appearance of oral mucosa reflect?
It reflects the underlying histology, both in health and disease.
How is the oral cavity often described?
It is described as a mirror that reflects the health of the individual.
What changes can indicate disease in the oral mucosa?
Alterations in the oral mucosa lining the mouth can indicate systemic conditions.
What are some systemic conditions that may be revealed by changes in the oral mucosa?
Examples include diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and the local effects of chronic tobacco or alcohol use.
What type of tissue almost continuously lines the oral cavity?
The oral mucosa almost continuously lines the oral cavity.
What is the microscopic composition of the oral mucosa?
It is composed of stratified squamous epithelium overlying connective tissue proper, or lamina propria, with possibly a deeper submucosa.
What lies between the epithelium and connective tissue in the oral mucosa?
A basement membrane lies between the epithelium and connective tissue.
Does the basement membrane separate the epithelium and connective tissue?
No, it serves as a continuous structure linking the two.
What are the three main types of oral mucosa found in the oral cavity?
The three main types are masticatory mucosa, lining mucosa, and specialized mucosa.
Where is masticatory mucosa found, and what are its features?
Masticatory mucosa is found on the hard palate, attached gingiva, and dorsum of the tongue. It has keratinized epithelium and a dense lamina propria.
What is the clinical appearance and function of lining mucosa?
Lining mucosa has a softer, moister surface that can stretch and compress, acting as a cushion. It includes the buccal mucosa, labial mucosa, alveolar mucosa, and the mucosa lining the floor of the mouth, soft palate, and ventral surface of the tongue.
What type of epithelium does lining mucosa have?
Lining mucosa has nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
What is the function of specialized mucosa in the oral cavity?
Specialized mucosa, found in the taste buds on the tongue’s lingual papillae, allows for the perception of taste and includes nerve endings for pain, touch, and temperature.
What are the regional differences in the oral mucosa based on?
Regional differences are based on specific histologic features in different regions of the oral cavity.
What do the histologic features of oral mucosa explain?
They explain the differences observed clinically when examining these regions.
What are the three types of stratified squamous epithelium found within the oral cavity?
The three types are nonkeratinized, keratinized, and parakeratinized epithelium.
What is keratin, and what are its properties?
Keratin is a tough, fibrous, opaque, waterproof protein that is impervious to pathogenic invasion and resistant to friction.
Where is keratin produced in the oral mucosa?
It is produced during the maturation of keratinocyte epithelial cells as they migrate from the basement membrane to the surface of keratinized tissue.
In which regions of the oral cavity is keratinized tissue found?
Keratinized tissue is found in certain regions of the oral mucosa within the oral cavity.
What are the characteristics of lining mucosa?
Lining mucosa has a softer surface texture, a moist surface, and can stretch and compress, acting as a cushion for underlying structures.
Which areas of the oral cavity are covered by lining mucosa?
Lining mucosa includes the buccal mucosa, labial mucosa, alveolar mucosa, mucosa lining the ventral surface of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and the soft palate.
What type of epithelium is associated with lining mucosa?
Lining mucosa is associated with nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
How does the interface between the epithelium and lamina propria in lining mucosa compare to that of masticatory mucosa?
The interface in lining mucosa is generally smoother with fewer and less pronounced rete ridges and connective tissue papillae compared to masticatory mucosa.
What provides lining mucosa with its movable base or rather what make it be able to stretch and move?
The presence of elastic fibers in the lamina propria provides the tissue with a movable base.