30 Questions
What is the primary function of the oral mucosa in protecting the deeper tissues?
The oral mucosa protects the deeper tissues from mechanical forces resulting from mastication and from the abrasive nature of foodstuffs.
What type of receptors are found in the oral mucosa that respond to temperature, touch, pain, and taste?
Receptors in the oral mucosa respond to temperature, touch, pain, and taste.
What is the major secretion associated with the oral mucosa, and what are its functions?
The major secretion associated with the oral mucosa is saliva, which is produced by the salivary glands to maintain the moist surface of the mucosa and to assist in mastication, swallowing of food, and speech.
What is the function of the oral surface epithelium in relation to oral microorganisms?
The oral surface epithelium acts as a major barrier against oral microorganisms that would cause infection if they gain access to the deeper tissue.
What are the three main functions of the oral mucosa?
The three main functions of the oral mucosa are protection, sensation, and secretion.
What type of mucosa is involved in the masticatory process, and what is its characteristic?
The masticatory mucosa, also known as keratinized mucosa, is involved in the masticatory process and is characterized by keratinization.
What is the percentage of non-keratinocytes in the epithelial cells?
10%
What is unique about the appearance of clear cells under a microscope?
They have a clear halo around their nuclei.
What is the function of melanocytes in the epithelium?
Melanin-producing cells.
From what embryonic layer do melanocytes originate?
Neural crest ectoderm.
What is the term for the granules formed by the grouping of melanosomes?
Melanin granules.
In which areas of the oral mucosa is melanin pigment most commonly found?
Labial gingiva and buccal mucosa.
What is the function of sensory receptor cells in the oral mucosa?
to respond to touch or pressure stimuli
What type of cells are often associated with Langerhans' cells in the epithelium?
lymphocytes
What is the main characteristic of masticatory mucosa?
it is keratinized
What is the gingiva part of, besides the oral mucosa?
the marginal periodontium
What separates the gingiva from the alveolar mucosa?
the mucogingival junction (also called the healthy line)
What are the three main types of oral mucosa classified according to function?
masticatory mucosa, lining mucosa, and specialized mucosa
What is the composition of the gingiva?
The gingiva is composed of surface epithelium and lamina propria without submucosa attached to the underlying structure (mucoperiosteum).
What are the three morphological divisions of the gingiva?
The free or marginal gingiva, the attached gingiva, and the interdental papillae.
What is the function of the gingival sulcus?
The gingival sulcus is a shallow space between the tooth and the gingiva, extending from the gingival crest into the junctional epithelium.
What is the average depth of the gingival sulcus?
The average depth of the gingival sulcus is 1.8 mm.
What is the significance of the free gingival groove?
The free gingival groove demarcates the free from the attached gingiva.
What type of epithelium makes up the surface of the oral gingiva?
The surface epithelium is composed of stratified squamous epithelium, which may be keratinized or parakeratinized.
What is the shape of the interdental papilla when viewed from the lingual and facial aspects?
Triangular
What is the shape of the interdental papilla in three-dimensional views between the anterior teeth?
Pyramidal
What is the characteristic of the surface epithelium of the attached gingiva labially?
Shows melanocytes with melanin pigment
What is the characteristic of the interface between the col surface epithelium and the lamina propria?
Straight without epithelial pegs
What is the origin of the blood flow in the gingiva?
From arteries found deep in the lamina propria, branches of the arteries of the alveolar process, and the periodontal ligament
What is the characteristic of the arteries in the gingiva just before the basement membrane?
Forming a rich network
Study Notes
Oral Mucosa
- The oral mucosa is the moist lining of the oral cavity.
- Functions of the oral mucosa:
- Protection: protects deeper tissues from mechanical forces and oral microorganisms.
- Sensation: receptors respond to temperature, touch, pain, and taste.
- Secretion: saliva production maintains the moist surface and assists in mastication, swallowing, and speech.
Development and Structure of the Oral Mucosa
- The oral mucosa develops from the ectoderm.
- Histological structure:
- Keratinized oral epithelium
- Parakeratinized oral epithelium
- Non-keratinized oral epithelium
- Junction of epithelium and lamina propria: basement membrane
Classification of the Oral Mucosa
- Three main types:
- Masticatory mucosa (keratinized mucosa)
- Lining mucosa (non-keratinized mucosa)
- Specialized mucosa
Masticatory Mucosa (Keratinized Mucosa)
- Found in gingiva and mucosa covering the hard palate
- Characterized by keratinization due to forces of mastication and pressure
Gingiva
- Part of the oral mucosa and marginal periodontium
- Composed of:
- Gingival epithelium
- Lamina propria
- Histological structure:
- Surface epithelium: keratinized or parakeratinized
- Lamina propria: connective tissue elements, inflammatory cells, and gingival fibers
- Blood supply: derived from arteries in the lamina propria, alveolar process, and periodontal ligament
Non-Keratinocytes in Oral Epithelium
- Form about 10% of epithelial cells
- Types:
- Pigment cells (melanocytes)
- Langerhans' cells
- Merkel cells
- Defensive cells (inflammatory cells)
Melanocytes (Pigment Cells)
- Located in the basal layer of the gingival epithelium
- Produce melanin pigment
- Derived from neural crest ectoderm
- Histologically: clear cells
Morphological Appearance of the Gingiva
- Divided into:
- Free or marginal gingiva
- Attached gingiva
- Interdental papillae
- Macroscopic appearance:
- Free gingiva: relatively mobile, separated from the tooth by the gingival sulcus
- Attached gingiva: forms the base of the gingiva, attached to the underlying structure (mucoperiosteum)
Test your knowledge of the oral mucosa, including its functions, development, and histological structure. This quiz covers the tissue components, types of epithelium, and the junction of epithelium and lamina propria. A great resource for dental students and professionals!
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