The oral mucosa has two main tissue components - stratified squamous epithelium and an underlying connective tissue layer. It has three main functions: protection, sensation, and secretion. The oral mucosa is classified into three types - masticatory mucosa, lining mucosa, and specialized mucosa. Histologically, the oral epithelium consists of basal, prickle, and granular cell layers in keratinized areas, while non-keratinized areas lack granular and cornified layers. The connective tissue layer lies beneath the basement membrane and contains papillae.