SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE HARD PALATINE MUCOSA OF OPOSSUM (Didelphis albiventris

The three-dimensional characteristics between the epithelium-connective tissue of palatine mucosa of opossum were demonstrated using NaOH method. The tissues were carefully removed and fixed in modified Karnovsky solution for 12 h at 4ºC. Then, the specimens were prepared for scanning electron microscope. The results revealed that the surface of hard palatine mucosa presents stratified squamous keratinized epithelium and several transverse palatine plicae. In the anterior region, some elongated or pointed epithelial protrusions were noted. The lamina propria showed numerous connective tissue papillae disposed in parallel ridges. At high magnification, the thick bundles of collagen fibers were observed.