Oral mucosa

Oral Mucosa

The Oral Mucosa is the mucous membrane lining the inside of the mouth. It is involved in various functions such as mastication, tasting, and speech. The oral mucosa is continuous with the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory tract, and is the first part of these systems.

Structure

The oral mucosa is made up of three layers: the epithelium, the lamina propria, and the submucosa. The epithelium is the outermost layer and is in direct contact with the oral cavity. The lamina propria is a layer of connective tissue that supports the epithelium. The submucosa is a layer of loose connective tissue that lies beneath the lamina propria.

Function

The oral mucosa serves several functions. It provides a barrier against mechanical, thermal, and chemical insults. It also plays a role in the immune response, as it contains lymphoid tissue that can respond to pathogens. Additionally, the oral mucosa is involved in the sensation of taste, as it contains taste buds.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the oral mucosa can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. These include oral cancer, oral candidiasis, and aphthous stomatitis. Oral cancer is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early. Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection that can cause discomfort and difficulty swallowing. Aphthous stomatitis, also known as canker sores, are painful ulcers that can occur anywhere in the mouth.

See also

• Oral pathology
• Oral medicine
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery

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