Masticatory mucosaLining mucosaSpecialized mucosa

Upper lip

Alveolar mucosa

Hard palate

Soft palate

Tongue

Cheek

Underside of tongue

Gingiva

Floor of mouth

Lower lip

MucusStratum distendum

Stratum flamentosum

Stratum suprabasale

Stratum basale

Lamina propria

Submucosa

Epithelium

Connectingtissue

Basallamina

Major saliva glands

Sublingual glandSubmandibular gland

Parotid gland

Mucus

Hocienetwork

Interdiffusion and interpentration

Bioadhesivepolymer

Bioadhesivepolymer

Bioadhesivepolymer

Mucus membrance

Mucus membrance

Mucus membrance

(a)

(b) (c)