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.
What is located deep to the lamina propria in lining mucosa?
A submucosa is usually present deep to the lamina propria in lining mucosa.
What does the submucosa in lining mucosa overlie, and what does it allow?
It overlies muscle and allows for compression of the superficial tissue.
Why does lining mucosa serve well in regions where a movable base is needed?
It is suitable for regions like during speech, mastication, and swallowing due to its compressibility and mobility.
Why do surgical incisions in lining mucosa frequently require sutures?
Tissue movement in this area often necessitates sutures for closure.
How does the permeability of lining mucosa affect dental medications?
Lining mucosa is the most permeable to liquids, making it easier for dental medications to be absorbed.
How many layers are found within the epithelium of lining mucosa?
Each tissue type of lining mucosa has at least three layers within the epithelium.
What is the basal layer in lining mucosa, and where is it located?
The basal layer, or stratum basale, is the deepest of the three layers and consists of a single layer of cuboidal epithelial cells overlying the basement membrane.
What is the function of the basal layer in lining mucosa?
It is germinative, as mitosis of epithelial cells occurs within this layer.
What does the basal layer produce?
It produces the basal lamina of the basement membrane.
What is the intermediate layer in nonkeratinized epithelium, and where is it located?
The intermediate layer, or stratum intermedium, is located superficial to the basal layer in nonkeratinized epithelium.
What is the structure of the cells in the intermediate layer?
The cells are larger, stacked, and polyhedral-shaped, appearing plumper due to larger amounts of fluid in their cytoplasm.
Do cells in the intermediate layer retain the ability to undergo mitosis?
No, the cells in this layer have lost the ability to undergo mitosis.
the intermediate layer of lining epithelium makes up how much of nonkeratinized epithelium?
It makes up the bulk of nonkeratinized epithelium.
What is the superficial layer in nonkeratinized epithelium called, and where is it located?
It is called the stratum superficiale and is located at the most superficial level in nonkeratinized epithelium.
What is the structure of cells in the superficial layer?
The cells are larger, stacked, polyhedral epithelial cells, with the outermost cells flattening into squames.
What happens to the cells in the superficial layer as they age and die?
The squames in the superficial layer shed or are lost during tissue turnover.
How does maturation in nonkeratinized tissue compare to keratinized tissue?
Maturation in nonkeratinized tissue occurs at a lesser level than in keratinized tissue.
What do the labial mucosa and buccal mucosa line?
They line the inner lips and cheeks.
What is the clinical appearance of labial and buccal mucosa?
They appear as opaque pink, shiny, moist, compressible tissue that stretches easily, with possible areas of melanin pigmentation.
How are labial and buccal mucosa classified?
They are classified as lining mucosa.
What are the histologic features of the labial and buccal mucosa?
They have extremely thick nonkeratinized epithelium overlying a lamina propria with extensive vascular supply, giving an opaque pink appearance.
What components in the lamina propria of labial and buccal mucosa allow for stretch and shape retention?
Elastic fibers and collagen fibers in the lamina propria give the tissue the ability to stretch and return to its original shape.
What is the role of the submucosa in labial and buccal mucosa?
The submucosa contains adipose connective tissue and minor salivary glands, contributing to compressibility and moisture, and is firmly attached to underlying muscle to prevent interference during mastication or speech.
What are Fordyce spots, and where are they located?
Fordyce spots (or granules) are small, yellowish bumps scattered throughout the tissue of the labial and buccal mucosa.
Are Fordyce spots harmful?
No, they are harmless and present in most of the population.
In which age group are Fordyce spots more prominent?
They are more prominent in older individuals than in children or young adults.
Fordyce spots correspond to …..
They correspond to deposits of sebum from misplaced sebaceous glands in the submucosa.
What is the usual characteristic of nonkeratinized epithelium compared to keratinized epithelium?
Nonkeratinized epithelium usually lacks superficial layers showing keratinization.
What is hyperkeratinization, and what causes it in nonkeratinized epithelium?
Hyperkeratinization occurs when nonkeratinized epithelium transforms into keratinized epithelium in response to frictional or chemical trauma.
What oral habits can lead to hyperkeratinization of the buccal mucosa?
Habits such as clenching or grinding (bruxism) can lead to hyperkeratinization.
What is linea alba, and where does it form?
Linea alba is a white ridge of calloused tissue that forms horizontally at the level where maxillary and mandibular teeth come together and occlude.
What is the clinical appearance of alveolar mucosa?
It is a reddish-pink tissue with blue vascular areas, shiny, moist, compressible, and extremely mobile.
How is alveolar mucosa classified?
It is classified as lining mucosa.
What type of epithelium does alveolar mucosa have?
It has an extremely thin nonkeratinized epithelium.
Why does alveolar mucosa appear redder than labial or buccal mucosa?
The thin epithelium overlies but does not obscure an extensive vascular supply in the lamina propria.
What provides the mobility of alveolar mucosa?
The presence of numerous elastic fibers in the lamina propria and the loosely attached submucosa provide mobility.
What components are found in the submucosa of alveolar mucosa?
The submucosa contains minor salivary glands and numerous elastic fibers in loose connective tissue, allowing for moisture and increased mobility.
What is the clinical appearance of the ventral surface of the tongue and the floor of the mouth?
Both appear as reddish-pink tissue with blue vascular areas, shiny, moist, and compressible.
How does the mobility of the floor of the mouth compare to the ventral surface of the tongue?
The floor of the mouth has some mobility, while the ventral surface of the tongue is firmly attached yet allows some stretching along with tongue muscles.
How is the ventral surface of the tongue and the floor of the mouth classified?
They are classified as lining mucosa.
What is the lingual frenum, and where is it located?
The lingual frenum is a midline fold of tissue connecting the ventral surface of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
What are sublingual folds, and where are they located?
The sublingual folds are ridges of tissue on each side of the floor of the mouth, extending from the lingual frenum to the base of the tongue.
What type of epithelium is present in the ventral surfaces of the tongue and floor of mouth regions?
Both regions have an extremely thin nonkeratinized epithelium overlying a lamina propria with an extensive vascular supply.
Why do the ventral surface of the tongue and floor of the mouth tissue appear redder and show veins more prominently?
The thin epithelium does not obscure the extensive vascular supply, making veins such as the deep lingual veins more apparent.
What are the histologic features of the ventral surface of the tongue?
The connective tissue papillae of the lamina propria are numerous, with some elastic fibers and a few minor salivary glands providing stretch and moisture.
How is the submucosa associated with the ventral surface of the tongue?
It is extremely thin and firmly attached to the underlying tongue muscle.
How does the attachment of the mucosa and muscle affect function?
The mucosa and muscles function as one unit, reducing movability during mastication and speech.
What are the histologic features of the floor of the mouth?
The connective tissue papillae of the lamina propria are broad, and the submucosa contains loose connective tissue with adipose tissue and includes the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands.
What gives the floor of the mouth its compressibility and moisture?
The adipose connective tissue provides compressibility, while the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands provide moisture.
How is the submucosa attached in the floor of the mouth?
It is loosely attached to the underlying bone and muscles, allowing movability when the tongue moves during mastication and speech.
What are mandibular tori, and where do they develop?
Mandibular tori are bony growths that develop on the lingual aspect of the mandible.
Are mandibular tori usually benign or malignant?
They are usually benign and painless.
When do mandibular tori typically become noticeable?
They often go unnoticed unless they become large enough to cause discomfort or complications.
Where are mandibular tori usually located?
They are usually present bilaterally in the area of the premolars.
What shapes can mandibular tori take?
They can appear lobulated, nodular, or even fused together.
What covers mandibular tori, and do they vary in size?
They are covered by oral tissue and can vary in size.
What is the clinical appearance of the soft palate?
The posterior part of the palate appears as deep pink with a yellowish hue, has a moist surface, and is compressible and elastic.
How is the soft palate classified?
It is classified as lining mucosa.
What type of epithelium does the soft palate have?
It has a thin nonkeratinized epithelium overlying a thick lamina propria.
What features of the lamina propria contribute to the soft palate’s mobility?
The lamina propria has numerous connective tissue papillae and a distinct elastic layer with elastic fibers.
How is the submucosa of the soft palate attached, and what does this enable?
The submucosa is extremely thin and firmly attached to the underlying muscle, allowing for speech and swallowing.
What components of the submucosa give the soft palate its characteristic appearance and properties?
The submucosa contains adipose connective tissue (giving a yellow hue and compressibility) and minor salivary glands (providing moisture).
What is the clinical appearance of masticatory mucosa?
It has a rubbery surface texture and resiliency.
Where is masticatory mucosa found?
It is found in the mucosa of the hard palate, the attached gingiva, and the dorsal surface of the tongue.
What types of epithelium are associated with masticatory mucosa?
It is associated with orthokeratinized and parakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
How does the interface between epithelium and lamina propria differ in masticatory mucosa compared to lining mucosa?
The interface is highly interdigitated with numerous and more pronounced rete ridges and connective tissue papillae, giving it a firm base.
Is the submucosa present in masticatory mucosa, and what is its role?
The submucosa is either an extremely thin layer or absent, and when it overlies bone, it increases tissue firmness.
What features allow masticatory mucosa to function in regions that require a firm base?
Its histologic features, including keratinization and interdigitated interface, make it suitable for regions needing firmness during mastication and speech.
What distinguishes orthokeratinized stratified squamous epithelium from nonkeratinized tissue?
Orthokeratinized epithelium demonstrates keratinization of epithelial cells throughout its most superficial layers.
Where is orthokeratinized stratified squamous epithelium commonly found?
It is found in the masticatory mucosa of the hard palate and attached gingiva, and in the specialized mucosa of the lingual papillae on the dorsal surface of the tongue.
What happens to epithelial cells as orthokeratinized tissue matures?
Cells form keratin within the superficial layers, creating visible and physiologic differences as they migrate superficially.
How does orthokeratinized epithelium differ in layering compared to nonkeratinized epithelium?
Orthokeratinized epithelium has more layers superficial to the basal layer, with four distinct layers.
What is the basal layer in orthokeratinized epithelium called, and what is its function?
The basal layer, or stratum basale, is responsible for mitosis and produces the basal lamina of the basement membrane.
What are the two sub-layers of the basal lamina in the basement membrane?
The lamina lucida (a clear layer closer to the epithelium) and the lamina densa (a dense layer closer to the connective tissue).
What is the function of the basal layer in epithelial tissue?
It generates new cells through mitosis and helps maintain the structural integrity of the basement membrane.
What is the prickle layer in orthokeratinized epithelium, and where is it located?
The prickle layer, or stratum spinosum, is located superficial to the basal layer.
What happens to cells as they migrate to the prickle layer?
The cells lose the ability to undergo mitosis, which they had in the basal layer.
What is the primary function of the prickle layer in orthokeratinized epithelium?
It makes up the bulk of the orthokeratinized epithelium, providing structure and support.
What is the granular layer in orthokeratinized epithelium called, and where is it located?
The granular layer, or stratum granulosum, is located superficial to the prickle layer.
What is the structure of the epithelial cells in the granular layer?
The cells are flat and stacked in a layer that is three to five cells thick.
What is the most superficial layer in orthokeratinized epithelium?
It is the keratin layer, or stratum corneum.
How does the thickness of the keratin layer vary in the oral cavity?
The thickness varies depending on the region of the oral cavity.
What is the structure of cells in the keratin layer?
The cells are flat, have no nuclei, and their cytoplasm is filled with keratin.
What does the keratin in the keratin layer consist of?
It consists of a complex of keratohyaline granules and intermediate filaments, forming a dense, opaque material.
What happens to the outer cells (squames) in the keratin layer?
The squames flatten, shed, or are lost as part of tissue turnover because they are no longer viable.
What role do the squames and keratin material play in the epithelium?
They form a major part of the epithelial barrier and are continuously renewed as cells mature from deeper layers.
What is the clinical appearance of the hard palate?
The anterior part appears as whiter pink tissue that is immobile and firm, with a cushioned feeling in the posterior lateral zones and a firmer feeling in the medial zone.
What structures on the hard palate are firm to the touch?
The palatine rugae and the median palatine raphe are firm to the touch.
How is the hard palate classified?
It is classified as masticatory mucosa.
What type of epithelium is present in the hard palate? How thick is the lamina propria?
It has a thick layer of orthokeratinized epithelium overlying a thick lamina propria.
Where is submucosa present in the hard palate, and what is its function?
Submucosa is present only in the lateral zones, providing a cushioned feeling when palpated, and it overlies the bones of the palate.
What does the submucosa in the anterior part of the lateral zone of the hard palate contain?
It contains adipose connective tissue.
What does the submucosa in the posterior part of the lateral zone of the hard palate contain?
It contains minor salivary glands.
Is the submucosa present in the medial zone of the hard palate?
No, the submucosa is absent in the medial zone.
How does the absence of submucosa affect the medial zone of the hard palate?
It gives the tissue a firmer feeling when palpated.
What are palatal tori, and where are they located?
Palatal tori are bony growths that develop on the midline of the hard palate.
Are palatal tori usually benign or malignant?
They are usually benign and painless.
How do palatal tori typically appear?
They can appear lobulated or nodular and are covered in oral tissue.