TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Biology of the Oral Mucosa A1 - Lin, Yi-Ling A1 - Bibb, Carol A. A2 - Kelly, A. Paul A2 - Taylor, Susan C. A2 - Lim, Henry W. A2 - Serrano, Ana Maria Anido Y1 - 2016 N1 - T2 - Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color, 2e AB - KEY POINTSThe oral mucosa is similar to the skin with respect to ectodermal derivation, histologic features of stratified squamous epithelium and underlying connective tissue, and significant barrier functions.The key differences between oral mucosa and skin include the moist environment of the oral cavity influenced by saliva, the presence of a biofilm of microorganisms, the mechanical and chemical stresses of mastication and diet, the presence of teeth, and the specialized sensory function of the taste buds on the tongue.The oral epithelium has two maturation phases: nonkeratinized and keratinized, with regional differences in the oral cavity determined by function.Nonkeratinized epithelium, termed lining mucosa, appears moist and flexible and is located on the labial and buccal mucosae, soft palate, floor of the mouth, and ventral surface of the tongue.Keratinized epithelium, termed masticatory mucosa, is typically parakeratizined but may be orthokeratinized. It appears rubbery and immobile and is located on the hard palate, attached gingiva, and dorsum of the tongue.The epithelium on the dorsum of the tongue is subcategorized as specialized mucosa due to the presence of taste buds on the papillae of the anterior two-thirds of the dorsal surface.Physiologic pigmentation is a common normal finding in the oral cavity of persons of color. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/29 UR - dermatology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1161544941 ER -