What is rugae in mouth?

Rugae are ridges or folds of tissue located on the hard palate and the inner surface of the cheeks in the mouth. They are typically arranged in a transverse direction on the hard palate and their purpose is to aid in speech and mastication by increasing the surface area of the mouth.

The rugae help to grip and manipulate food during chewing and also provide a frictional surface that helps prevent the food from slipping out of the mouth. Additionally, the rugae aid in the formation of certain speech sounds by modifying the flow of air through the mouth.

The rugae are lined with a specialized type of epithelium that is resistant to friction and abrasion from eating and speaking. They are also supplied with blood vessels and nerve endings that help to provide sensation and aid in the sense of taste. Overall, the rugae play an important role in the function of the mouth and are essential for proper oral hygiene and overall oral health.