Oral mucosa Flashcards
What are the functions of the Oral mucosa
Protection
-Mechanical
-Infection, immunity
Sensation
Secretion
Absorption
(Thermoregulation)
What are the types of oral mucosa
Masticatory (around teeth including hard palate)
Lining
Gustatory
What are the properties of the masticatory mucosa
-Subjected to friction, compression
-(para)keratinised
-Thick lamina propria (mucoperiosteum)
What are the properties of the lining mucosa
-Mobile and distensible
-Nonkeratinised
-Loose lamina propria and wide submucosa
-More rapid turnover than masticatory mucosa
(non-keratinised cells can be produced quicker)
What are the properties of the gustatory mucosa
-Similar to masticatory
-Keratinised
-Present only on dorsum of tongue
-Characterised by papillae, some bearing taste buds
What cell layers are found within the epithelium
Stratum corneum
(cornified)
Stratum spinosum
(prickle cell layer)
Stratum germinativum
(basal layer)
Stratum granulosum
(granular layer)
What are some diseases of the oral mucosa
-Oral infections
-Recurrent oral ulceration
-Vesiculo-bullous lesions
-White patches
-Premalignant conditions
-Pigmented lesions
-Oral cancer
What holds epithelium together
Desmosomes
How are parakeratinised cells identified
Parakeratinised
some keratinised cells still have nucleus present
What is the mucogingival junction
Connection between masticatory mucosa and lining mucosa
What are non-keratinocytes
Do not contain keratin (clear)
Account for 10% of epithelial cells
What are the types of non-keratinocytes
Melanocytes
-Pigment-producing; in Str. germinativum
Merkel cells
-Associated with mechanoreceptor neurons; in Str. germinativum
Langerhans cells
-Dendritic cells; found above Str. germinativum; function as antigen-presenting cells
Where would filiform, fungiform and vallate papillae be found
The gustatory mucosa
What is the vermillion border
The separation between the skin and labial mucosa on the lip
What irregularities on the tongue surface may indicate disease (benign migratory glossitis)
-Irregular, smooth patches
-No filiform papillae
-Red or white margins
-Pattern changes over time
-In children and adults
-Asymptomatic; some people have discomfort
-Histologically, similar to psoriasis
-No Tx usually required
What mucosa would be found on the inner surface of the cheek
Lining mucosa
You will be able to see some glands in the lamina propria, these are:
Exocrine
Minor salivary glands
What is the purpose of these minor salivary glands within lamina propria
Lubricate the surface of the cheek with mucous saliva
What type of muscle is present deep to the minor salivary glands within the lamina propria
Skeletal muscle
What is a mitotic figure
Areas in which cell division is occurring
Where will collagen not be present
Enamel
What type of epithelium is junctional epithelium
Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
What is the purpose of hemidesmosomes
Attaches junction epithelium to enamel
Why are neutrophil cells present
Due to chronic inflammatory response
