An exception is noted in the maxillary arch where the palatal gingiva remains contiguous with the masticatory mucosa on the hard palate.

(Photo: maxilla—palatal aspect)

Masticatory Mucosa

The attached gingiva and hard palate are covered by masticatory mucosa. These tissues are parakeratinized or keratinized to withstand the forces of mastication.

The Palate

The transverse ridges, located at the anterior portion of the hard palate, are known as the rugae. A bulge of tissue at the midline, lingual to the central incisors, is the incisive papilla.

(Photo: normal hard palate)