Oral mucosa species differences

The oral mucosa provides a protective covering for underlying tissues while acting as a barrier to the entry of microorganisms and toxins. Histologically, the stratified squamous epithelium lining the oral cavity exhibits a diverse structure as well as important inter-species differences. This... 

Human oral mucosa consists of different cell types including keratinized and non-keratinized striated epithelial, but the buccal mucosa is composed predominately of the latter. In selecting an appropriate animal model care was taken to ensure that the mucosal structure in the selected species matched that in man as closely as possible. Based on histological examinations all the rodent species (rat, guinea pig, hamster and rabbit) would constitute poor models because of extensive keratinization of their buccal mucosa. Of the other possibilities, the dog appeared to be the best choice. 

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