Dental Anatomy of Healthy Gingiva

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of hemidesmosomes in the junctional epithelium?

To facilitate nutrient transfer between cells

To aid in cell division of prickle cells

To anchor epithelial cells to the basal lamina (correct)

To provide structural support to basal cells

How thick is the junctional epithelium at the coronal aspect?

10-20 cells thick

15-30 cells thick (correct)

Over 30 cells thick

1-5 cells thick

Which cell shape characterizes the basal cells of the junctional epithelium?

Squamous

Columnar

Pyramidal

Cuboidal (correct)

What type of epithelium is classified as junctional epithelium?

Stratified squamous-non-keratinized epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the thickness of the junctional epithelium at the apical aspect?

4-5 cells thick Signup and view all the answers

Which type of extracellular matrix is found between the junctional epithelium and the tooth surface?

Internal basal lamina Signup and view all the answers

What roles do junctional epithelium perform in relation to the tooth?

Attachment, barrier, host response Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the superficial cells of the junctional epithelium?

They are spine-shaped Signup and view all the answers

Which type of junctions are epithelial cells of the junctional epithelium primarily connected by?

Desmosomes Signup and view all the answers

What type of connective tissue is the junctional epithelium closely associated with?

Gingival connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary appearance characteristic of healthy gingiva?

Stippled with a knife-edge appearance Signup and view all the answers

Which type of epithelium is found on the outer surface of the free and attached gingiva?

Stratified squamous keratinized Signup and view all the answers

What role do rete pegs play in the gingiva?

They provide strength and support Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the submucosal epithelium in the gingiva?

Allowing gingival crevicular fluid flow Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of epithelial cells in the gingiva is characterized by cube-shaped basal cells?

Basal cell layer Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding keratinization in the gingiva?

Keratin protects against mechanical stress and trauma. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are found in the granular cell layer of the gingival epithelium?

Granulated cells with increased keratin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cells are flattened and contain extensive keratin?

Keratinized cells Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the mucogingival junction?

The gingiva becomes non-keratinized. Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for the gingival connective tissue?

Lamina propria Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fibres are found in supragingival fibres?

Elastic and collagen fibres Signup and view all the answers

In which direction does the intergingival fibre run?

Mesiodistal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the gingival connective tissue?

To provide solidity and support to gingiva Signup and view all the answers

Which fibre connects the cementum of a tooth to the gingival connective tissue?

Dentogingival fibre Signup and view all the answers

What effect does inflammation have on the density of supragingival fibres?

Decreases density Signup and view all the answers

Which fibre group encircles several teeth linking them together?

Intercircular fibres Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the alveologingival fibres?

Connect alveolar crest to gingival connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fibres runs horizontally and links teeth together at the cementum level?

Transgingival fibres Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of the interpapillary fibres?

Link oral and vestibular papillae Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Healthy Gingiva

The surface of healthy gingiva appears stippled and has a 'knife-edge' appearance

Oral Epithelium

Stratified squamous and keratinized
Extends from the crest of the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction
Rete pegs provide strength and support to the gingiva to withstand external forces
Protection from mechanical stress and trauma
Four layers present:
- Basal cells: cube shaped
- Prickle cells: spine shaped
- Granular cells: flattened with increased keratin
- Keratinized cells: flattened with extensive keratin

Sulcular Epithelium

Stratified squamous and non-keratinized
Faces the tooth surface but doesn’t contact it
Semi-permeable which allows gingival crevicular fluid to flow from tissues into the sulcus
No rete pegs or keratinized epithelium
A harboring ground for bacteria
Three layers present:
- Basal cells: cube shaped
- Prickle cells: spine shaped
- Superficial cells

Junctional Epithelium

Stratified squamous and non-keratinized
Joins the gingiva to the tooth
Closely packed epithelial cells joined by desmosomes
Hemidesmosomes connect epithelial cells to the basal lamina
Internal basal lamina is present between epithelial cells and tooth surface
External basal lamina is present between epithelial cells and gingival connective tissue
Three layers present:
- Basal cells: cube shaped
- Prickle cells: spine shaped
- Tooth

Functions of Junctional Epithelium

Attachment: Hemidesmosomes attach the epithelium to the tooth surface
Barrier: Forms a 4-8 cell thick protective barrier between tooth and gingival connective tissue
Host response: Allows gingival crevicular fluid, white blood cells and antibodies to flow through

Gingival Connective Tissue

Known as lamina propria
Found in both free and attached gingiva
Provides solidity and strength to the gingiva through a dense network of fibers
Attaches the gingiva to the cementum of the tooth root and alveolar bone
Supports transportation of water, nutrients and other substances within its matrix
Host response to insults, such as infections, occurs in the connective tissue
Contains a dense network of collagen and elastic fibers

Supragingival Fibers

Composed of collagen and elastic fibers
Keep the gingiva upright
Act as a brace to withstand forces from different directions
Their density can decrease during inflammation

Types of Supragingival Fibers

Alveologingival (AG): From the alveolar crest to the gingival connective tissue
Circular (C): A ring encircling the tooth coronally above the crestal bone
Dentogingival (DG): Fans out from the cementum into the gingival connective tissue
Periosteogingival (PG): Fans out from the periosteum
Intergingival (IG): Runs mesiodistally along the dental arch, linking teeth together
Intercircular (IC): Encircles several teeth, linking teeth together
Interpapillary (IP): Located in the papilla, connecting the oral and vestibular papillae
Transgingival (TG): From the cementum to the CEJ, running horizontally and linking teeth together
Transeptal (TS): From the cementum of one tooth to another, over the crestal bone

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Description

Explore the key features of healthy gingiva and the different types of oral epithelium. Understand the structural components, functions, and layers involved in maintaining oral health. Test your knowledge on gingiva's anatomy and its role in dental health.