Ventral Tongue Epithelium — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: D — Non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium
The correct answer is D. The ventral surface of the tongue is lining mucosa covered by thin, non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium. Unlike the specialised dorsal mucosa, it does not bear lingual papillae. Keratinised stratified squamous epithelium is associated principally with masticatory mucosa and keratinised regions of the dorsal tongue, particularly filiform papillae. Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium is characteristic of much of the respiratory tract, while simple columnar epithelium lines much of the gastrointestinal tract. Transitional epithelium is specialised for distension within the urinary tract. Thus, the site specified in the stem uniquely supports option D.
Reference: Sawaf MH, Ouhayoun JP, Shabana AH, Forest N. Cytokeratin expression in human tongue epithelium. American Journal of Anatomy. 1990;189(2):155–166. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1700876/