Fig (2a) Histological section through healthy mucosa (CHM control) of hard palate never covered by full denture showing the classical srata in the epithelium. The interface between epithelium and connective tissue is an underlating surface, and the projections of connective tissue (papillae) interdigitating with epithelial ridges or pegs are clearly apparent. (b) Histological section of palatal mucosa showing denture stomatitis (Budtz-Jorgensen class II). DRS indicates a total absence of keratin and no clear division of the stata; scattered inflammatory cells are seen in the connective tissue. (a and b: Mallory Azan staining x 300).