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The mouth is the only place in the body which provides the sensation of taste. Due to these unique physiological features, the oral mucosa must fulfil a number of distinct functions. Protection: One of the main functions of the oral mucosa is to physically protect the underlying tissues from the mechanical forces, microbes and toxins in the ...
A mucous membrane or mucosa is a membrane that lines various cavities in the body of an organism and covers the surface of internal organs. It consists of one or more layers of epithelial cells overlying a layer of loose connective tissue.
Non-keratinized squamous epithelium covers the soft palate, lips, cheeks and the floor of the mouth. Keratinized squamous epithelium is present in the gingiva and hard palate . [ 3 ] Keratinization is the differentiation of keratinocytes in the granular layer into dead surface cells to form the stratum corneum.
In human anatomy, the mouth is the first portion of the alimentary canal that receives food and produces saliva. [2] The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane epithelium lining the inside of the mouth. In addition to its primary role as the beginning of the digestive system, the mouth also plays a significant role in communication.
Epithelium or epithelial tissue is a thin, continuous, protective layer of cells with little extracellular matrix. An example is the epidermis , the outermost layer of the skin . Epithelial ( mesothelial ) tissues line the outer surfaces of many internal organs , the corresponding inner surfaces of body cavities , and the inner surfaces of ...
There are no intercellular spaces. This type of epithelium is well suited to areas in the body subject to constant abrasion, as the thickest layers can be sequentially sloughed off and replaced before the basement membrane is exposed. It forms the outermost layer of the skin and the inner lining of the mouth, esophagus and vagina. [2]
Diagramatic representation of mucosal erosion (left), excoriation (center), and ulceration (right) Simplistic representation of the life cycle of mouth ulcers. An ulcer (/ ˈ ʌ l s ər /; from Latin ulcus, "ulcer, sore") [2] is a break in the skin or mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue and the disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue. [3]
Generally speaking, the ectoderm differentiates to form epithelial and neural tissues (spinal cord, nerves and brain). This includes the skin, linings of the mouth, anus, nostrils, sweat glands, hair and nails, [3] and tooth enamel. Other types of epithelium are derived from the endoderm. [3]