Oral Mucosa - Keratinized & Non-Keratinized Epithelium Simplified!!!!

The term mucous membrane refers to the moist lining of the gastrointestinal tract or the GIT. It lines the oral and nasal cavities, to the esophagus, stomach, and the intestines.
This mucous membrane in the oral cavity is termed oral mucosa.
The classification of oral mucosa is based on their location and functions, the differences in their histologic features, and the presence or absence of keratinization.
Oral mucosa is classified into three types and these three types are the masticatory mucosa, the lining mucosa, and the specialized mucosa. The masticatory mucosa is located in areas that bear a high amount of functional or masticatory loads like the gingiva, and the hard palate. Lining mucosa lines the cheeks, the lips, and the floor of the mouth. And the specialized mucosa as the name suggests is located on special areas responsible for one of our special senses that is, the sense of taste. Hence the specialized mucosa is located on our tongue. The masticatory and specialized mucosa is keratinized whereas the lining mucosa is non-keratinized.
The two main components of the oral mucosa are the superficial oral epithelium and an underlying connective tissue called the lamina propria. The superficial layer is made up of stratified squamous epithelium. It’s irregular in shape and this irregularity in shape creates finger-like projections of the oral epithelium embedded in underlying connective tissue or lamina propria. These finger-like projections of superficial epithelium are termed epithelial rete ridges. The upward projections of the lamina propria or the connective tissue in the oral epithelium are termed connective tissue papilla. Lamina propria supports and nourishes the superficial layer of the avascular epithelium. The superficial layer of the oral epithelium is separated from the underlying lamina propria through a thin layer of basement membrane known as the basal lamina. Below the oral mucosa or underneath the lamina propria lies the submucosa. This layer of submucosa is occupied by major blood vessels and nerves, the minor salivary glands, and some adipose or fat tissue. This layer of submucosa is absent in the hard palate and gingiva so that a firm attachment of mucosa is provided at these sites.

Video (diagrams+editing) & Voiceover:
Dr.Maryam Kazman

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