Alveolar Bone Anatomy

Questions and Answers

Which type of spongy bone has trabeculae arranged in a horizontal ladder-like fashion?

Type III

Type II

Type IV

Type I (correct)

Where is spongy bone typically thin or absent in the jaws?

Medial regions

Anterior regions (correct)

Lateral regions

Posterior regions

What type of bone marrow is present in the medullary cavities of spongy bone trabeculae?

Green marrow

Gray marrow

Red marrow (correct)

Yellow marrow

Which of the following regions typically retains red bone marrow as an adult?

Distal part of the last upper molar in the tuberosity region Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of bone formation called?

Osteogenesis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bone ossification involves the replacement of a cartilage template with bone matrix?

Endochondral ossification Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of osteoclasts in bone resorption?

Degrading bone matrix Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for alveolar bone?

Alveolar process Signup and view all the answers

What type of enzymes are involved in the degradation of the organic matrix during bone resorption?

Hydrolases Signup and view all the answers

What primary role does alveolar bone serve?

Accommodating the roots of teeth Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are responsible for the formation of bone tissue?

Osteoblasts Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells can osteoprogenitor cells develop into?

Any type of bone cell Signup and view all the answers

What happens to alveolar bone if teeth are congenitally missing?

It does not develop Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of osteoblasts in bone tissue?

Secretion of osteoid tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT part of the bone structure?

Vascular tissue Signup and view all the answers

How do osteoprogenitor cells divide?

By mitosis Signup and view all the answers

Where are the cell bodies of osteocytes primarily located?

In lacunae within the bone tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of osteoclasts in bone health?

Resorption of bone tissue Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of bone is composed of inorganic material?

67 % Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bone primarily contains collagen fibers and is part of the alveolar process?

Bundle bone Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the alveolar bone proper?

Attachment of periodontal fibers Signup and view all the answers

How thick is the alveolar crest usually below the level of the cementoenamel junction (C.E.J.)?

1.5 to 2 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how osteoclasts are formed?

From monocytes - macrophages Signup and view all the answers

What is the radiographic appearance of bundle bone often referred to as?

Lamina dura Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary stimulus for alveolar bone remodeling?

Occlusal forces Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are responsible for bone resorption in areas of pressure during alveolar bone remodeling?

Osteoclasts Signup and view all the answers

Where does new bone formation occur during alveolar bone remodeling?

Areas of tension on the distal surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of resting lines in bone?

They mark periods of osteoblast inactivity during bone formation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a reversal line in bone?

To separate new bone from old bone after resorption. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the periodontal ligament in alveolar bone remodeling?

It transmits occlusal forces to the alveolar bone. Signup and view all the answers

How does alveolar bone remodeling contribute to orthodontic treatment?

It allows for the movement of teeth by reshaping the bone. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the foramina between the periodontal ligament and bone marrow?

They allow for the passage of blood vessels and nerves. Signup and view all the answers

What is the alternative name for the alveolar bone proper that highlights its many openings for blood vessels and nerves?

Cribriform plate Signup and view all the answers

In clinical radiographs, how does the Lamina Dura commonly appear?

As a dense white line Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the lamellated bone in the context of alveolar bone?

It is a thicker layer formed of longitudinal lamellae. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the cortical plates of the alveolar bone?

They are made up of compact bone. Signup and view all the answers

Where is spongy bone primarily located within the alveolar process?

Occupying the central part between the cortical plates. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the thickness of cortical plates in the mandible and maxilla is correct?

Cortical plates are generally thicker in the molar regions than in the anterior regions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the spongy bone or cancellous bone in the alveolar process?

To fill the area between the outer and inner cortical plates. Signup and view all the answers

In the maxilla, what anatomical feature of the outer cortical plate is noteworthy?

It contains multiple small openings for vessels. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Alveolar Bone (Process)

Also known as the "Alveolar Process"
Includes sockets designed to accommodate roots
Highly specialized, hard connective tissue with complex structures and functions
Forms primary support structure for teeth
Develops from dental follicle
Disappears if teeth are lost; undeveloped if teeth are congenitally missing

Structural Elements of Bone

Consists of cells, ground substance, fibers, and minerals
Four types of bone cells:
- Osteoprogenitor cells: undifferentiated mesenchymal cells that divide to give rise to other bone cells
- Osteoblasts: responsible for bone formation, secrete osteoid tissue, and have strong alkaline phosphatase activity
- Osteocytes: trapped in bone tissue, cell bodies located in lacunae
- Osteoclasts: responsible for bone resorption, large, multinucleated cells with acid phosphatase enzyme

Chemical Properties of Bone

67% inorganic material (hydroxyapatite crystals)
33% organic material (mainly Type I collagen fibers)

Functions of Alveolar Bone

Anchors teeth with Sharpey's fibers
Protects developing tooth bud
Supplies blood to periodontal ligaments
Absorbs and distributes occlusal forces

Structure of Alveolar Bone

Consists of outer cortical plate, central spongiosa, and bone lining the alveolus
Cortical plate and alveolar bone meet at the alveolar crest (usually 1.5-2 mm below the level of the CEJ of the tooth)
Physiologically, consists of two parts:
- Alveolar bone proper: forms inner wall of sockets, directly facing roots, and furnishes medium for attachment of periodontal fibers
- Supporting alveolar bone: consists of cortical plates and spongy bone

Alveolar Bone Proper

Consists of two types of bone:
- Bundle bone: innermost type, developed from dental follicle, attached to roots by periodontal ligament, and radiographically appears as a dense white line (Lamina Dura)
- Lamellated bone: thicker layer of lamellar bone, lies between bundle bone and supporting spongiosa, and has longitudinal lamellae

Supporting Alveolar Bone

Cortical plates: made up of compact bone, form outer and inner plates of alveolar bone, vary in thickness in different areas
Spongy bone: occupies central part of alveolar process, contains trabeculae of bone and marrow spaces, and has two types:
- Type I: regular, horizontal trabeculae, seen in mandible
- Type II: irregular, delicate trabeculae, seen in maxilla

Ossification of Bone

Natural process of bone formation
Two processes resulting in formation of normal, healthy bone tissue:
- Endochondral (Intracartilaginous) bone ossification
- Intramembranous bone ossification

Bone Resorption

Occurs through three processes by osteoclasts:
- Decalcification of inorganic material
- Degradation of organic matrix
- Transport of soluble products

Remodeling of Alveolar Bone

Undergoes constant physiologic remodeling (resorption and formation) in response to external forces, especially occlusal forces
Important in orthodontic treatment

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Description

This quiz covers the anatomy of the alveolar bone, including its process and surrounding structures. Test your knowledge of dental anatomy with this quiz.