The inside of your lips is lined with a moist mucous membrane. This delicate tissue helps protect your mouth and keeps it lubricated. In newborns, the inner surface is thicker and has sebaceous glands and papillae, which aid in sucking.
Here are some additional details about what's inside your lips:
- Oral Mucosa: The mucous membrane lining the mouth, including the lips, is called the oral mucosa. It's a thin layer of tissue that helps protect the mouth from irritation and infection.
- Blood Vessels: Lips are highly vascularized, meaning they have many blood vessels. This contributes to their vibrant color and sensitivity.
- Nerves: Lips are very sensitive to touch, temperature, and pain due to a rich supply of sensory nerves.
- Muscle: The lips are made up of several muscles that allow us to speak, eat, and make facial expressions.
While it's common to think of lips as just the outer part, understanding their inner structure helps us appreciate their complex role in our bodies.
