Oral mucosa
Oral Mucosa
The Oral Mucosa (pronounced: /ˈɔːrəl mjuːˈkoʊsə/) is the mucous membrane lining the inside of the mouth. It is a vital part of the oral cavity and plays a significant role in the first stages of digestion.
Etymology
The term "Oral Mucosa" is derived from the Latin words "Oral" meaning mouth, and "Mucosa" meaning a mucous membrane.
Function
The Oral Mucosa serves several functions. It acts as a barrier to protect the body from harmful pathogens and irritants. It also aids in the process of mastication and deglutition, which are the processes of chewing and swallowing food respectively. The Oral Mucosa also contains taste buds that help in the perception of taste.
Structure
The Oral Mucosa is composed of three layers: the epithelium, the lamina propria, and the submucosa. The epithelium is the outermost layer that comes into direct contact with food. 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.
Related Terms
- Oral cavity: The mouth or the hollow space inside the mouth.
- Epithelium: The thin tissue forming the outer layer of a body's surface and lining the alimentary canal and other hollow structures.
- Lamina propria: A thin layer of connective tissue that forms part of the moist linings known as mucous membranes or mucosa.
- Submucosa: A layer of tissue in various hollow organs and tubes of the body that is beneath the mucosa and supported by the muscular layer.
- Mastication: The process of chewing food.
- Deglutition: The action or process of swallowing.
- Taste: One of the five senses that enables one to perceive the flavor of substances.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oral mucosa
- Wikipedia's article - Oral mucosa
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