Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following statements best describes the masticatory mucosa?

1. It is thin and freely movable

2. It is dense and tough, firmly affixed to bone

3. It is specialized for taste

4. It is primarily located on the underside of the tongue

The correct answer is: It is dense and tough, firmly affixed to bone

The statement that describes the masticatory mucosa is that it is dense and tough, firmly affixed to bone. Masticatory mucosa refers to the type of mucous membrane that covers areas of the oral cavity involved in the process of mastication (chewing), such as the hard palate and the attached gingiva. This mucosa is characterized by its thickness and keratinization, which provides protection against the mechanical forces exerted during chewing. The density and toughness of the masticatory mucosa are important for withstanding the abrasion and stress that occur when food is chewed. The firm attachment to underlying bone ensures that it remains stable and resilient under these conditions, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the oral cavity during mastication and preventing injury. In contrast, other types of oral mucosa, such as lining mucosa, are thinner and more flexible, which allows for greater movement but provides less protection against abrasions. The specialized mucosa for taste is typically found in specific areas of the tongue that are not categorized as masticatory mucosa. Additionally, the underside of the tongue is covered by lining mucosa rather than masticatory mucosa.