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Updated: May 13, 2026
11:39
Using Unfixed, Frozen Tissues to Study Natural Mucin Distribution
Published on: September 21, 2012
The oral mucosal surface and blood vessels
Ella A Naumova1, Tobias Dierkes, Jürgen Sprang
1Witten/Herdecke University, Faculty of Health, School of Dentistry, Witten, Germany.
Head & Face Medicine
|March 19, 2013
Summary
The dorsal tongue surface significantly contributes to the oral mucosa's total area. This finding is crucial for understanding oral drug absorption and delivery strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oral anatomy and physiology
- Histology and surface morphology
Background:
- Limited data exists on oral mucosa surface area, especially concerning tongue papillae.
- Accurate measurements are vital for understanding oral cavity physiology and disease.
- Knowledge of oral mucosa size can inform therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the total surface area of the human oral mucosa.
- To quantify the contribution of the tongue to the oral mucosal surface.
Main Methods:
- Utilized silicon casts and quantitative profilometry on cadaver heads to measure oral surface area and tongue topography.
- Employed intravital microscopy and scanning electron microscopy for detailed analysis of oral mucosal capillaries.
Main Results:
- The dorsal tongue surface constitutes a substantial portion of the total oral mucosal area.
- Epithelial surface area and underlying blood vessel density increase from the anterior to posterior tongue.
Conclusions:
- The posterior tongue plays a significant role in oral drug resorption.
- Findings have implications for the development and delivery of oral medications.
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