Cheek Lining Mirrors Vaginal Tissue

The insides of your cheeks are made of the same type of mucosal tissue as the inside of a woman’s vagina. Both areas are lined with moist, nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium that protects underlying tissues while staying flexible and lubricated. This shared tissue type helps both regions withstand friction from chewing in the mouth and sexual activity in the vagina. It also explains why doctors sometimes use cheek tissue in reconstructive surgeries that involve vaginal or other mucosal repairs.

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