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

Digestive System
Anterior Segment of the Digestive System
Hard and Soft Palate

The hard palate (palatum durum) is formed by a bony base covered with a mucous membrane. There is no submucosa, so the mucosa is tightly fused with the periosteum. The mucous membrane is covered with non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The lamina propria of the mucosa forms papillae that grow into the epithelium. It also contains dense bundles of Collagen fibers that are heavily interwoven and embedded into the periosteum. This is most pronounced in the region of the raphe and in the transition zone between the hard palate and the Gums. In the middle sections of the hard palate, groups of palatine Salivary Glands are located between the mucosa and the periosteum.

The soft palate and uvula (palatum molle et uvula) are a continuation of the posterior part of the hard palate, structurally based on a tendinomuscular formation covered with a mucous membrane.

The mucous membrane of the soft palate and uvula has two surfaces—oral and nasal—as well as a transitional zone.

The oral surface of the mucosa is covered with non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. There is no muscularis mucosae. The lamina propria forms high papillae. Salivary glands are located in the submucosa.

The nasal surface of the mucosa is covered with pseudostratified ciliated epithelium containing goblet Cells. There is no muscularis mucosae or submucosa.

In the transitional zone, the pseudostratified ciliated epithelium transitions into a multi-row columnar epithelium.



Last update: 10/08/2026

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