Oral Mucosa – Classification & Histology

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms, regions, and histologic features of oral mucosa discussed in the lecture.

Periodontal disease

Inflammatory destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth; a primary condition dental hygienists seek to prevent and treat.

Oral mucosa

Mucous membrane that almost continuously lines the oral cavity, consisting of stratified squamous epithelium over a lamina propria.

Stratified squamous epithelium

Multilayered epithelial tissue forming the surface of oral mucosa; called the epidermis in skin.

Lamina propria

Connective-tissue layer beneath the oral epithelium, analogous to the dermis of skin.

Basement membrane (oral)

Thin interface between the stratified squamous epithelium and the lamina propria of oral mucosa.

Salivary gland duct opening

Perforation through the oral mucosa that allows saliva from underlying glands to reach the oral cavity.

Lining mucosa

Soft, moist, stretchable, nonkeratinized mucosa that cushions underlying tissues; not firmly attached to bone and usually has a submucosa.

Masticatory mucosa

Keratinized oral mucosa adapted to withstand chewing forces; forms the gingiva and hard palate.

Specialized mucosa

Discrete epithelial-lamina propria structures (e.g., lingual papillae) that carry taste buds on the dorsal tongue.

Nonkeratinized epithelium

Type of stratified squamous epithelium lacking surface keratin; characteristic of lining mucosa.

Keratinized epithelium

Epithelial surface containing keratin layers for added protection; typical of masticatory mucosa.

Buccal mucosa

Inner lining of the cheeks; classified as lining mucosa.

Labial mucosa

Inner lining of the lips facing the oral cavity; a lining mucosa region.

Alveolar mucosa

Shiny, reddish, movable mucosa apical to the marginal gingiva; belongs to lining mucosa.

Floor of the mouth (mucosa)

Soft, compressible mucosa beneath the tongue; part of the lining mucosa.

Ventral surface of the tongue

Underside of the tongue covered by lining mucosa.

Soft palate

Posterior palatal region composed of lining mucosa, providing flexibility during swallowing and speech.

Rete ridges (connective tissue papillae)

Finger-like projections of connective tissue into the epithelium; sparse in lining mucosa, giving it a smooth interface.

Submucosa

Layer beneath the lamina propria frequently present in lining mucosa, often containing fatty deposits.

Elastic fibers (oral mucosa)

Fibers abundant in lining mucosa that allow the tissue to stretch and act as a movable base.

Fordyce spots (Fordyce granules)

Visible yellowish bumps—ectopic sebum deposits—commonly observed in labial and buccal mucosa, especially in older patients.

Sebum (oral)

Oily secretion whose deposits form Fordyce spots within the oral mucosa.