Identify five functions of oral mucosa?

1. Protection: The oral mucosa acts as a protective barrier against physical, chemical, and microbial damage. It helps prevent injury to the underlying tissues and organs in the oral cavity.

2. Sensation: The oral mucosa contains sensory receptors that allow us to perceive sensations such as touch, temperature, and taste. These receptors help us to detect and respond to different stimuli in the mouth.

3. Secretion: Certain areas of the oral mucosa, such as the salivary glands, secrete substances like saliva, which aids in the digestion of food, lubricates the oral cavity, and helps maintain oral hygiene.

4. Absorption: The oral mucosa has the ability to absorb certain substances, such as medications or nutrients, directly into the bloodstream. This can be useful for delivering drugs or nutrients to the body through oral administration.

5. Speech and articulation: The oral mucosa plays a crucial role in speech production and articulation. It helps in the movement and positioning of the tongue, lips, and other oral structures, allowing us to form sounds and words accurately.