ABSTRACT
The oral mucosa has similarities to both skin and intestinal mucosa. It has a protective role during the process of mastication, which exposes the mucosa to compression and shear forces. Areas such as the hard palate and attached gingiva have a horny surface to resist abrasion and are tightly bound to the underlying bone to resist shear forces. The cheek mucosae, on the other hand, are elastic to allow for distension.
