Structure/Morphology
The palatine mucosa coats the hard palate. It attaches to the palatine process of the maxilla and the horizontal plate of the palatine bone.
The mucosa of the hard palate is masticatory mucosa and it is lined with keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
Related parts of the anatomy
Key Features/Anatomical Relations
Anteriorly, the palatine mucosa and the attached gingivae do not have a distinct border. However, a series of transverse mucosal folds are formed on the anterior portion of the hard palate and aid in mastication. Posteriorly, it is continuous with the mucosa of the soft palate.
Function
The mucosa of the hard palate acts as a barrier against the external environment, such as preventing injury, water loss, and microbial invasion. Additionally, since the mucosa of the hard palate is considered masticatory mucosa, it protects underlying structures from the mechanical stresses of mastication.
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Hard Palate
The hard palate is formed by the palatine process of the maxilla and the horizontal plate of the palatine bone covered by a mucous membrane, and hundreds of minor salivary glands are located between the mucosal surface and underlying bone [16].
