Why is the Oral Mucosa Important for Oral Delivery?
The oral mucosa plays a crucial role in oral delivery due to its unique histological characteristics. It comprises a stratified squamous epithelium, which provides a protective barrier, and an underlying connective tissue called the lamina propria. The oral mucosa is highly vascularized, which allows for rapid absorption of substances directly into the systemic circulation, bypassing the first-pass metabolism in the liver.
