ODS Gingivae Histology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of gingival connective tissue?

Resistance to bacterial invasion

Integration with alveolar bone

Transportation of substances to connective tissue cells (correct)

Regeneration of lost tooth structure

Which supragingival fibre links the cementum of one tooth to another over the crestal bone?

Intergingival fibres

Transeptal fibres (correct)

Alveologingival fibres

Transgingival fibres

In a healthy state, what is the approximate depth of the gingival sulcus?

5-6 mm

7-8 mm

1-2 mm

3-4 mm (correct)

What is the structure of the gingival sulcus primarily characterized by?

A U-shaped contour Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following supragingival fibres encircles several teeth and provides linkage?

Intercircular fibres Signup and view all the answers

What role does gingival connective tissue play in the immune response?

Transporting immune cells to infected areas Signup and view all the answers

Which type of supragingival fibre runs mesiodistally along the dental arch linking teeth together?

Intergingival fibres Signup and view all the answers

What is the structural characteristic of attached gingiva?

It is non-movable Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the sulcular epithelium?

Nonkeratinized and thin Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the junctional epithelium is the thickest at the apical zone?

4-5 cells thick Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the junctional epithelium is true?

It connects the gingiva to the tooth Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)?

To facilitate fluid flow from the connective tissue into the sulcus Signup and view all the answers

How does the structure of the sulcular epithelium differ from that of keratinized tissue?

It has a higher cell turnover rate Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the interface between the sulcular epithelium and the connective tissue in health?

It is smooth without epithelial ridges Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium primarily makes up the granular cell layer?

Flattened, keratinized cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate length of the junctional epithelium?

0.71 – 1.35 mm Signup and view all the answers

What structure is responsible for connecting two neighboring epithelial cells?

Desmosome Signup and view all the answers

How does the junctional epithelium attach to the tooth surface?

Via hemidesmosomes and internal basal lamina Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the gingival connective tissue?

Attaches gingiva to the underlying structures Signup and view all the answers

Which type of junction connects epithelial cells to the basal lamina?

Hemidesmosome Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when teeth erupt through the body’s epithelial layer?

The body attempts to seal the opening with epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the internal basal lamina?

A thin layer of extracellular matrix Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate number of hemidesmosomes at the coronal end per micron?

8-10 Signup and view all the answers

Which primary function does the junctional epithelium serve?

Barrier defense and attachment Signup and view all the answers

What are the three anatomic areas of the gingival epithelium?

Oral epithelium, Sulcular epithelium, Junctional epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the oral epithelium?

It covers the outer surface of the free gingiva and attached gingiva. Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium is the oral epithelium classified as?

Stratified squamous epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the gingival connective tissue?

To provide a supportive structure for the gingiva Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the oral epithelium is immediately beneath the superficial cell layer?

Prickle cell layer Signup and view all the answers

Where does the oral epithelium extend to in the gingiva?

From the crest of the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction Signup and view all the answers

Identify a component of the periodontium that is not classified as part of the gingiva.

Cementum Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of desmosomes in the cells of the oral epithelium?

To attach adjacent cells to each other Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functions of Gingival Connective Tissue

Provides integrity and strength to gingival tissues through its dense network of fibers
Facilitates normal function of connective tissues by transporting water, nutrients, metabolites, and oxygen to and from individual connective tissue cells within its matrix.
Plays a crucial role in host response and immune response

Supragingival Fibres of CT

Alveologingival Fibers (AG): Extend from the alveolar crest to the gingival connective tissue.
Circular Fibers (C): Form a ring around the tooth coronally above the crestal bone
Dentogingival Fibers (DG): Fan out from the cementum into the gingival connective tissue.
Periosteogingival Fibers (PG): Extend from the periosteum into the gingival connective tissue.
Intergingival Fibers (IG): Run mesiodistally along the entire dental arch, connecting teeth together.
Intercircular Fibers (IC): Encircle several teeth, linking them together.
Interpapillary Fibers (IP): Located in the papilla, connecting the oral and vestibular papillae.
Transgingival Fibers (TG): Extend from the cementum to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and run horizontally, linking teeth together.
Transeptal Fibers (TS): Extend from the cementum of one tooth to the cementum of another tooth over the crestal bone.

Gingival Sulcus

The depth of the gingival sulcus in health is 0.5-2 mm.
The shape of the gingival sulcus is crescent shaped.

Oral epithelium

The oral epithelium is the only part of the periodontium that is visible to the unaided eye.
It is composed of stratified squamous epithelium.
It covers the outer surface of the free and attached gingiva, extending from the crest of the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction.
It has four layers:
- Basal cell layer: Cube-shaped cells responsible for cell division and renewal.
- Prickle cell layer: Spine-like cells with large intercellular spaces, connected by desmosomes.
- Granular cell layer: Flattened cells with increased intracellular keratin.
- Keratinized cell layer (stratum corneum): Flattened cells with extensive intracellular keratin.
The oral epithelium joins the underlying connective tissue in a wavy pattern, known as rete pegs.

Sulcular Epithelium

It faces the tooth surface without being in contact with it.
It is thin, nonkeratinized, and without rete pegs.
It is semi-permeable, allowing fluid to flow from the gingival connective tissue into the sulcus.
This fluid is known as gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).
In health, the sulcular epithelium joins the connective tissue at a smooth interface with no epithelial ridges.

Junctional Epithelium (JE)

It is a stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium attaching the gingiva to the tooth surface.
It has a length of 0.71-1.35mm, with 15-30 cells thick coronally and 4-5 cells thick apically.
It has a high cell turnover rate due to its non-keratinized nature.
Its attachment to the tooth surface is through hemidesmosomes and internal basal lamina.
The attachment to the connective tissue is also through hemidesmosomes.

Why is the JE important and where does it come from?

Teeth penetrate the continuous sheet of epithelium that covers the body, creating an opening.
The body attempts to seal this opening by attaching epithelium to the tooth, forming the JE, hence the name "junction" meaning "connection."

Function of JE

Attachment: It secures the gingiva to the tooth.
Barrier: It prevents the passage of bacteria and other substances from the oral cavity into the underlying tissues.
Host defense: It plays a role in the immune response to bacteria and other pathogens.

Cell Junctions

Desmosomes: Connect two neighboring epithelial cells and their cytoskeletons together.
Hemidesmosomes: Connect epithelial cells to the basal lamina.

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Description

This quiz explores the functions and characteristics of gingival connective tissue, including its integral role in maintaining the integrity, strength, and immune response of gingival tissues. Additionally, it examines the various supragingival fibers that provide structure and support to the oral cavity.