HISTOLOGY OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM I ... - Faculty.rmc.edu

f. Alveolar Bone
Alveolar bone consists of a surface layer of compact bone (with some areas of
woven bone) supported by a core of spongy bone. The alveolar bone surrounds the
root of the tooth.
g. Gingiva
Gingiva is covered by a moderately keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in
which dermal papillae are more numerous than in most areas of oral mucosa. The
epithelium at the gingival "cuff" is attached to the tooth surface by basal lamina- like
material, sealing the periodontal ligament from the oral cavity.
3. Tongue (Figure 16.4, 16.5, Plate 45, 46)
a. The tongue is covered by oral mucosa. The epithelium on the upper surface is
heavily keratinized in places, particularly on the tips of filiform papillae.
b. The tongue contains a core of skeletal muscle arranged in bundles. The bundles
run in 3 planes at right angles to each other (i.e. in X, Y, and Z geometric axes)
allowing movement of the tongue in almost any direction and allowing delicate
controlled changes in the shape of the tongue.
c. The upper surface of the tongue (the epithelium plus the adjacent lamina propria)
forms numerous finger- like papillae which are classified into 3 categories.
(1) Filiform Papillae
(a) Pointed tip
(b) Heavily keratinized epithelium
(c) No taste buds
(d) Most numerous type of papilla
(2) Fungiform Papillae
(a) Flattened apex
(b) Moderately keratinized epithelium
(c) Apical taste buds
(d) Second most numerous type
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