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Pathology · single question

Intraoral herpetic (HSV) lesions characteristically occur on which type of mucosa, distinguishing them from aphthous ulcers?

  1. Movable, non-keratinized mucosa (like aphthous ulcers), such as buccal or labial mucosa
  2. Keratinized, attached mucosa bound to periosteum — namely the hard palate and gingiva
  3. Only the dorsal tongue
  4. Only the floor of the mouth
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Keratinized, attached mucosa bound to periosteum — namely the hard palate and gingiva

A classic distinguishing clinical clue: intraoral (secondary/recurrent) herpetic lesions occur on keratinized, attached mucosa (hard palate, gingiva), because the virus reactivates along sensory nerve branches supplying these tissues. Aphthous ulcers, in contrast, favor movable, non-keratinized mucosa (buccal/labial mucosa, soft palate, ventral tongue, floor of mouth).

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