Buccal Swab Procedure Removes Stratified Squamous Cells To Obtain The DNA Profile Of An Individual. Explain Why A Buccal Swab Shouldn’t Cause Bleeding, Buccal Swab Does Not Cause Bleeding Because It Contains Stratified Squamous Epithelium Which Is Avascular, No Blood Vessels, And It Gets Its Nutrients From Underlying Connective Tissue.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
A buccal swab should not cause bleeding because it collects cells from the surface of the stratified squamous epithelium, which is avascular—meaning it does not contain blood vessels. This epithelial tissue receives nutrients and support from the underlying connective tissue, not from its own blood supply.
Explanation (300+ words):
A buccal swab is a non-invasive method used to collect DNA from the inner lining of a person’s cheek. The inner cheek is lined with stratified squamous epithelium, a type of tissue that consists of multiple layers of flat cells. These cells are continuously shed and replaced, making them ideal for gentle sample collection.
This epithelial tissue is classified as avascular, meaning it does not have its own blood supply. Instead, it relies on diffusion of nutrients and oxygen from the underlying connective tissue, specifically the lamina propria in the oral mucosa. Because there are no blood vessels in the epithelial layer itself, scraping or swabbing its surface does not reach blood vessels, and therefore does not result in bleeding when done properly.
The purpose of a buccal swab is to collect exfoliated epithelial cells, which contain the person’s nuclear DNA. This can be used in various applications, such as paternity testing, forensic analysis, or genetic screening. Since only surface cells are collected, the process is safe, painless, and non-invasive, which makes it ideal for individuals of all ages.
Bleeding would only occur if the swabbing was done too forcefully, damaging the underlying vascular connective tissue. However, with the proper technique—gently rubbing a sterile swab against the inner cheek—only superficial cells are dislodged, avoiding any trauma to deeper tissues.
In conclusion, the lack of blood vessels in the stratified squamous epithelium explains why a buccal swab does not cause bleeding. This anatomical characteristic is essential for safe and effective DNA collection from the mouth.