Mundslimhinden

Mundslimhinden, or the oral mucosa, is the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the mouth. It covers the lips, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, gingiva (gum tissue), and the surface of the tongue. It forms a continuous barrier between the oral cavity and underlying tissues and helps protect against mechanical and microbial irritation.

The oral mucosa consists of an epithelium and a underlying connective tissue called the lamina propria. The epithelium is either keratinized (as in masticatory mucosa, including the gingiva and hard palate) or non-keratinized (as in lining mucosa, including the cheeks, floor of the mouth, ventral tongue, lips, and alveolar mucosa). The lamina propria contains blood vessels, nerves, and a network of connective tissue; in some areas, submucosa with minor salivary glands lies beneath. The tongue hosts specialized mucosa with taste buds on its upper surface.

Functions of the mundslimhinden include protection against abrasion, pathogens, and chemical irritation; sensation of touch, temperature, and pain; and participation in taste perception via taste buds. It also supports salivary secretion indirectly through adjacent glands and aids in immune defense with resident immune cells.

Common clinical aspects involve mucosal trauma, inflammatory conditions such as mucositis and candidiasis, aphthous ulcers, leukoplakia, geographic tongue, and disorders including oral lichen planus or an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma in chronic irritation or risk-factor exposure. Maintaining oral hygiene, managing dryness, and monitoring lesions are important for health of the mundslimhinden.