The mucosa forms the lining of the oral cavity. Which option correctly identifies this tissue?

The mucosa forms the lining of the oral cavity. Which option correctly identifies this tissue?

• A. Dentin
• B. Mucosa
• C. Enamel
• D. Gingiva

Answer: (B)

The lining of the oral cavity is provided by mucosa, a mucous membrane made up of a thin layer of stratified squamous epithelium overlying connective tissue. This tissue forms the inner surfaces of the mouth—inside cheek, lips, floor of the mouth, underside of the tongue, and the gingival areas—with the epithelium type (keratinized or non-keratinized) varying by location. Dentin and enamel are hard dental tissues inside a tooth, not lining surfaces. Gingiva is part of the mucosa—gum tissue near the teeth—but the term that identifies the lining itself is mucosa.

The lining of the oral cavity is provided by mucosa, a mucous membrane made up of a thin layer of stratified squamous epithelium overlying connective tissue. This tissue forms the inner surfaces of the mouth—inside cheek, lips, floor of the mouth, underside of the tongue, and the gingival areas—with the epithelium type (keratinized or non-keratinized) varying by location. Dentin and enamel are hard dental tissues inside a tooth, not lining surfaces. Gingiva is part of the mucosa—gum tissue near the teeth—but the term that identifies the lining itself is mucosa.