Special Histology and Embryology: Practical Course - V. K. Napkhanyuk 2001

Digestive System
Anterior Segment of the Digestive System
Cheeks

The cheek (bucca) is a muscular Structure covered externally by Skin and internally by a mucous membrane. Three zones are distinguished within the cheek mucosa:

— upper or maxillary zone (zona maxillaris);

— lower or mandibular zone (zona mandibularis);

— intermediate zone (zona intermedia).

The mucous membrane lacks a muscular lamina.

In their structure, the maxillary and mandibular Zones of the cheek are similar to the mucosa of the lip. They are covered with stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium and feature a well-defined submucosa containing numerous Salivary Glands.

The intermediate zone of the cheek, much like the intermediate section of the lip, serves as the contact zone between the skin and the oral mucosa. It is formed As a result of the fusion of embryonic primordia during The Development of the oral opening.

The muscular layer of the cheek is formed by the buccinator Muscle.



Last update: 10/08/2026

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