Oral cavity is lined by stratified squamous epithelium which is ...

The tongue• can be considered a mucousmembrane sack filled with skeletalmuscles oriented in all planes,including both intrinsic and extrinsiclingual muscles (e.g., genioglossus,styloglossus, hyoglossus). Itfunctions in mastication, swallowing,and grooming. The epithelium isthicker on the dorsal than theventral surface.• Epithelial Papillae of tongue andoral cavity can be classified ashaving either:• mechanical functions(keratinized) or• gustatory functions (contain tastebuds).