Gingiva and Oral Epithelium Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three anatomic areas of the gingival epithelium?

Junctional epithelium

Oral epithelium

Keratinized epithelium (correct)

Sulcular epithelium

What type of epithelium is the oral epithelium classified as?

Transitional epithelium

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Columnar epithelium

Stratified squamous epithelium (correct)

What is the primary function of gingival connective tissue?

Formation of tooth enamel

Protection against bacteria

Support of the epithelium (correct)

Secretion of saliva

The keratinized layer of the oral epithelium consists of which type of cells?

Flattened cells with increased intracellular keratin Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is not part of the gingival anatomy?

Dental pulp Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the epithelium extends from the crest of the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction?

Oral epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the oral epithelium is considered the deepest?

Basal cell layer Signup and view all the answers

What connects the cells in the basal and prickle cell layers of the oral epithelium?

Desmosomes Signup and view all the answers

What structure connects two neighboring epithelial cells and their cytoskeletons?

Desmosome Signup and view all the answers

How does the junctional epithelium attach to the tooth surface?

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

What is the primary composition of the junctional epithelium?

Continuous sheet of epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes hemidesmosomes?

Attach epithelial cells to the basal lamina Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'junction' refer to in the context of junctional epithelium?

A connection between two epithelial cells Signup and view all the answers

What provides the foundation for the attachment of gingival tissue to the tooth?

Gingival connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which cell junction connects the epithelial cells to the gingival connective tissue?

Hemidesmosome Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of junctional epithelium?

Act as a barrier and provide attachment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the stratum corneum?

Flattened cells with extensive intracellular keratin Signup and view all the answers

Which type of epithelium faces the tooth surface but does not contact it?

Sulcular epithelium 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 is the cellular thickness at the coronal zone of the junctional epithelium?

15 – 30 cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium is the junctional epithelium classified as?

Stratified squamous nonkeratinized Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in relation to the sulcular epithelium?

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

Why does the junctional epithelium have a high cell turnover rate?

To maintain structural integrity Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes nonkeratinized epithelium from keratinized epithelium?

Lack of keratinization Signup and view all the answers

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

To provide strength and integrity to gingival tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fibers runs from the alveolar crest to the gingival connective tissue?

Alveologingival fibers Signup and view all the answers

Which supragingival fiber type links teeth together in a mesiodistal direction?

Intergingival fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the matrix in gingival connective tissue?

Transport of nutrients, water, and oxygen Signup and view all the answers

In healthy gingiva, what is the typical depth of the gingival sulcus?

1-2 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is not considered part of the gingival connective tissue?

Dentin Signup and view all the answers

What shape does the gingival sulcus typically have in healthy conditions?

U-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary components involved in the host response of gingival connective tissue?

Fibroblasts and immune cells Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Gingiva

The gingiva is the soft tissue surrounding the teeth and is visible to the naked eye
The gingiva is part of the periodontium
There are three main areas of the gingiva:
- The free gingiva
- The attached gingiva
- The alveolar mucosa

Gingival Epithelium

There are three areas of the gingiva epithelium:
- The junctional epithelium
- The sulcular epithelium
- The oral epithelium
The junctional epithelium joins the gingiva to the tooth surface
The sulcular epithelium is the epithelium that faces the face of the tooth without being in contact with the tooth surface
The oral epithelium is the epithelium that covers the outer surface of the free gingiva and the attached gingiva

Oral Epithelium

The oral epithelium is stratified squamous epithelium
The oral epithelium is keratinized
The layers of the oral epithelium are listed below in order from the deepest layer to the most superficial layer:
- Basal layer
- Prickle cell layer
- Granular cell layer
- Keratinized cell layer

Sulcular Epithelium

The sulcular epithelium is non-keratinized
The sulcular epithelium is thin
The sulcular epithelium does not have rete pegs
The sulcular epithelium is semi-permeable and allows fluids to flow into the sulcus
This fluid is known as the gingival crevicular fluid

Junctional Epithelium

The junctional epithelium is stratified squamous, non-keratinized epithelium
The junctional epithelium attaches the gingiva to the tooth surface
The junctional epithelium is 0.71 – 1.35 mm in length
The junctional epithelium is 15-30 cells thick at the coronal end and 4-5 cells thick at the apical end
The junctional epithelium has a high cell turnover

Microscopic Anatomy of the Junctional Epithelium

The junctional epithelium is composed of closely packed epithelial cells
The junctional epithelium is connected to neighboring cells by desmosomes
The junctional epithelium has an internal basal lamina which is a thin layer of extracellular matrix between the epithelial cells and tooth surface
The junctional epithelium has an external basal lamina which is a thin layer of extracellular matrix between the epithelial cells and the gingival connective tissue
The junctional epithelium attaches to the tooth surface via hemidesmosomes and the internal basal lamina
The junctional epithelium attaches to the connective tissue via hemidesmosomes and the external basal lamina

Cell Junctions

A desmosome is a cell junction that connects two neighboring epithelial cells and their cytoskeletons together
A hemidesmosome is a cell junction that connects the epithelial cells to the basal lamina

Functions of the Junctional Epithelium

The junctional epithelium provides attachment to the tooth surface
The junctional epithelium acts as a barrier
The junctional epithelium provides host defense

Gingival Connective Tissue

The gingival connective tissue is also known as the lamina propria
The gingival connective tissue provides solidity to the gingiva
The gingival connective tissue attaches the gingiva to the cementum of the root and the alveolar bone

Functions of the Gingival Connective Tissue

The gingival connective tissue provides integrity and strength to the gingival tissues
The gingival connective tissue provides a dense network
The gingival connective tissue allows the normal function of the connective tissues
The gingival connective tissue transports water, nutrients, metabolites, and oxygen to and from the individual connective tissue cells
The gingival connective tissue supports a host response and immune response

Supragingival Fibres

The supragingival fibres are bundles of collagen fibres that provide support to the gingiva
There are several different types of supragingival fibres
- Alveologingival
- Circular
- Dentogingival
- Periosteogingival
- Intergingival
- Intercircular
- Interpapillary
- Transgingival
- Transeptal

Depth of the Gingival Sulcus in Health and Shape of the Sulcus

The depth of the gingival sulcus in health is 0.5-2 mm
The shape of the gingival sulcus is a crevice

Other Structures

The periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar bone are also part of the gingiva although they are not covered in this lecture.
Refer to the upcoming histology sessions on the following additional structures:
- Periodontal Ligament
- Cementum
- Alveolar bone

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Description

This quiz focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the gingiva and oral epithelium. It covers important structures, including the different types of gingival tissue and their functions. Test your knowledge on the vital components of oral health and tissue classification.