Histology of the Gingiva

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main functions of gingival connective tissue?

Providing flexibility to the gums

Serving as a barrier against bacterial invasion

Facilitating tooth movement

Transporting nutrients and metabolites (correct)

Which supragingival fiber connects the cementum to the connective tissue of the gingiva?

Alveologingival

Dentogingival (correct)

Interpapillary

Transeptal

What type of gingival connective tissue fiber runs mesiodistally along the dental arch linking teeth together?

Periosteogingival

Intergingival (correct)

Transgingival

Circular

What is typically indicated by a healthy depth of the gingival sulcus?

3 mm or less Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fibers encircle several teeth and link them together?

Intercircular Signup and view all the answers

How do supragingival fibers primarily contribute to the integrity of gingival tissues?

By forming a dense network Signup and view all the answers

Which fiber type connects the cementum of one tooth to another tooth over crestal bone?

Transeptal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the host response in relation to gingival connective tissue?

Immune response to pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the oral epithelium is the deepest?

Basal cell layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the junctional epithelium?

To form a seal around the tooth Signup and view all the answers

How does the oral epithelium differ from the sulcular epithelium?

It covers the attached gingiva and free gingiva Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is NOT a component of the gingiva?

Cemento-enamel junction Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the prickle cell layer of the oral epithelium?

It features spine-like cells with large intercellular spaces Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about attached gingiva?

It is keratinized and binds the gingiva to underlying alveolar bone Signup and view all the answers

What is the mucogingival junction?

The line separating the alveolar mucosa and the gingival tissue Signup and view all the answers

What type of tissue primarily composes the gingival connective tissue?

Dense fibrous connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What structure primarily helps attach the junctional epithelium to the tooth surface?

Hemidesmosomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the junctional epithelium's barrier?

Acts as a host defense mechanism Signup and view all the answers

How many hemidesmosomes are found per micron at the coronal end of the junctional epithelium?

8-10 hemidesmosomes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of junction connects two neighboring epithelial cells?

Desmosome Signup and view all the answers

What tissue type is known as the lamina propria?

Gingival connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the internal basal lamina?

Separates epithelial cells from tooth surface Signup and view all the answers

What component contributes to attaching gingival connective tissue to the alveolar bone?

Collagen fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the connection formed when epithelial cells attach to the basal lamina?

Hemidesmosome Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the junctional epithelium in relation to the tooth?

To connect the gingiva to the tooth surface Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic differentiates the sulcular epithelium from the junctional epithelium?

Sulcular epithelium is nonkeratinized Signup and view all the answers

What is the length range of the junctional epithelium?

0.71 – 1.35 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which layer cells in the junctional epithelium have the highest turnover rate?

Non-keratinized cells Signup and view all the answers

Why is the junctional epithelium important for dental health?

It serves as a protective barrier against infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the junctinal epithelium?

Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What does the smooth interface between the sulcular epithelium and the connective tissue indicate?

Healthy gingival condition Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)?

Antibodies and enzymes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functions of Gingival Connective Tissue

The dense network of gingival connective tissue provides integrity and strength to the gingiva.
Gingival connective tissue facilitates the transportation of water, nutrients, metabolites, and oxygen to and from individual connective tissue cells within its matrix.
Gingival connective tissue plays a crucial role in the host response, including immune response, by providing a structural base for immune cells and facilitating their migration.

Supragingival Fibers

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

Oral Epithelium

Covers the outer surface of the free gingiva and attached gingiva, stretching from the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction.
It is the only part of the periodontium visible to the naked eye.
Stratified squamous epithelium with layers:
- Basal cell layer
- Prickle cell layer
- Granular cell layer
- Keratinized cell layer (stratum corneum)
Joins the underlying connective tissue in a wavy pattern.

Sulcular Epithelium

Lines the tooth surface inside the gingival sulcus, without direct contact with the tooth.
Thin, nonkeratinized epithelium without rete pegs.
It is semi-permeable, allowing fluid (gingival crevicular fluid - GCF) to flow between the gingival connective tissue and the sulcus.

Junctional Epithelium

Stratified squamous, nonkeratinized epithelium that attaches the gingiva to the tooth surface.
Length: 0.71 - 1.35 mm.
Cell thickness: 15-30 cells coronally, 4-5 cells apically.
High cell turnover rate.
Non-keratinized nature signifies a high cell turnover rate compared to keratinized tissue.

Junctional Epithelium: Importance and Origin

Tooth-gingiva barrier: Prevents bacteria and other microorganisms from entering the underlying tissues.
Attachment to the tooth surface: Essential for maintaining the integrity of the periodontium and preventing periodontal disease.
Origin: Forms as a result of the eruption of the tooth, allowing the body to seal the gap between the tooth and the epithelial tissues.

Microscopic Anatomy of Junctional Epithelium

Closely packed epithelial cells connected by desmosomes.
Internal Basal Lamina: Thin layer of extracellular matrix between epithelial cells and the tooth surface.
External Basal Lamina: Thin layer of extracellular matrix between the epithelial cells and the underlying connective tissue.
Attachment to the tooth surface is via hemidesmosomes and the internal basal lamina.
Attachment to the connective tissue is via hemidesmosomes.

Cell Junctions

Desmosome: Cell junction connecting two neighboring epithelial cells and their cytoskeletons.
Hemidesmosome: Cell junction connecting the epithelial cells to the basal lamina.

Functions of Junctional Epithelium

Attachment: Connects the gingiva firmly to the tooth surface.
Barrier: Prevents penetration of bacteria and toxins from the oral cavity into the gingival connective tissue.
Host defense: Regulates immune responses and provides a protective barrier against invading pathogens.

Gingival Connective Tissue (Lamina Propria)

Provides solidity to the gingiva.
Attaches the gingiva to the cementum of the root and the alveolar bone.
Supports the vascular and nerve supply of the gingiva.

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