🔹Classification:

3 major types:

1. Masticatory Mucosa (Gingiva & hard palate)
2. Lining or reflecting Mucosa (Lip, Cheek, floor of mouth)
3. Specialized Mucosa (Dorsum of tongue, taste buds)

🔹Functions:

1. Defence: Oral Mucosa is impermeable to bacterial toxins. Also secretes antibodies.
2. Lubrication: Secretion of salivary glands keep the oral cavity moist which helps in speech and mastication.
3. Sensory: Sensitive to touch, pressure, pain & temperature.
4. Protection: Protects deeper tissues from mechanical forces resulting from mastication & from abrasive nature of food stuff.

🔹Keratinized Epithelium:

➡️ Contains 4 layers starting from the bottom:

▪️Stratum Basale:

• Single layer of cuboidal cells
• They synthesize DNA & undergo Mitosis

▪️Stratum Spinosum:

• Layer is irregularly polyhedral & larger than basal cells

▪️Stratum Granulosum:

• Layer contains flatter & wider cells
• Larger than spinous cells

▪️Stratum Corneum:

• Made up of keratinized squamous which are larger & flatter than granular cells

🔹Keratinized Areas:

• Masticatory Mucosa
• Vermilion border of lip

🔹Non-Keratinized Areas:

• Lining Mucosa
• Specialized Mucosa

References: Orban’s Oral Histology

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