Gingival Epithelium Anatomy and Functions

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of the Periodontal Ligament (PDL)?

  • Anchors the enamel of the tooth to the dentin
  • Provides support, sensory input and regenerative capabilities for the tooth (correct)
  • Connects the dentin of the tooth to the alveolar bone
  • Protects the root of the tooth from bacteria

Which of these structures is responsible for anchoring the tooth to the Periodontal Ligament (PDL)?

  • Enamel
  • Cementum (correct)
  • Dentin
  • Alveolar Bone

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

  • 3-5 mm
  • 5-7 mm
  • 0.5-1.5 mm
  • 1-3 mm (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a role of the gingiva?

<p>Formation of bone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the oral epithelium (OE)?

<p>It extends from the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The gingival sulcus is lined by which type of epithelium?

<p>Stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the junctional epithelium (JE)?

<p>Attachment of the gingiva to the tooth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature of the sulcular epithelium contributes to its function?

<p>Lack of rete pegs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the gingival connective tissue (lamina propria)?

<p>Dentin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key function of the gingival connective tissue?

<p>Attachment of the gingiva to the cementum and alveolar bone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these structures is NOT directly involved in the formation of the epithelial attachment?

<p>Sulcular epithelium (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic differentiates the oral epithelium from the sulcular epithelium?

<p>The degree of keratinization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Gingiva

A specialized connective tissue that supports blood vessels, nerves, and immune cells. It helps transport water, nutrients, and metabolites, maintaining tissue integrity. It also acts as a scaffold for immune responses, aiding in host defense.

Periodontal Ligament (PDL)

A fibrous connective tissue that connects the cementum of the tooth to the alveolar bone. It provides support, sensory input for pressure detection, and helps the tooth withstand chewing forces.

Cementum

A hard, calcified tissue that covers the root of the tooth and anchors it to the periodontal ligament (PDL) via Sharpey's fibers. It also protects the root.

Alveolar Bone

A bone that forms the socket that houses the tooth. It provides structural support and remodels in response to mechanical stress from chewing.

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Gingival Sulcus

The space between the tooth and the gums. In healthy gums, it measures 1-3 mm and has a v-shaped appearance. A deeper sulcus may indicate periodontal disease.

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Oral Epithelium (OE)

The outermost layer of the gingiva, covering both the free and attached gingiva. It extends from the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction. This layer is visibly seen and made up of stratified squamous keratinized epithelium.

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Sulcular Epithelium (SE)

Lines the gingival sulcus - the space between the tooth and the free gingiva. This thin layer is made of stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium.

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Junctional Epithelium (JE)

Forms the epithelial attachment at the base of the sulcus and connects the gingiva with the tooth, acting as a barrier against bacteria. It is also made of stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium.

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Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF)

A fluid that flows from the gingiva into the gingival sulcus. This fluid contains immune cells and other substances that fight against bacteria.

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Structure of the Oral Epithelium

Consists of multiple cell layers (basal, prickle, granular, keratinized) that provide protection against physical and microbial damage.

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Structure of the Sulcular Epithelium

A thin, non-keratinized layer with no rete pegs, creating a semi-permeable barrier. It allows for GCF to flow into the sulcus.

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Structure of the Junctional Epithelium

A thin, non-keratinized epithelium that provides attachment between the gingiva and the tooth.

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Function of Gingival Connective Tissue

Provides solidity to the gingiva and attaches it to the cementum and alveolar bone. It is made of collagen fibers, fibroblasts, and an extracellular matrix.

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Study Notes

Gingival Epithelium

  • Three anatomic areas: Oral Epithelium (OE), Sulcular Epithelium (SE), and Junctional Epithelium (JE)
  • Oral Epithelium (OE): Covers free and attached gingiva, extends from gingival margin to mucogingival junction, stratified squamous keratinized tissue, visible to the naked eye.
  • Sulcular Epithelium (SE): Lines gingival sulcus, stratified squamous non-keratinized tissue, does not directly contact the tooth.
  • Junctional Epithelium (JE): Attaches gingiva to the tooth at the base of the sulcus, stratified squamous non-keratinized tissue, anchors gingiva to tooth, prevents bacterial invasion.

Oral Epithelium Anatomy and Function

  • Anatomy: Multiple cell layers (basal, prickle, granular, keratinized)
  • Function: Protects underlying tissues; keratinized barrier against physical and microbial damage.

Sulcular Epithelium Anatomy and Function

  • Anatomy: Thin, non-keratinized, no rete pegs, smooth interface with connective tissue.
  • Function: Forms lining of gingival sulcus, semi-permeable barrier allowing gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) to flow; aids in immune defense.

Junctional Epithelium Anatomy and Function

  • Anatomy: Thin, stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium.
  • Function: Attaches gingiva to tooth, barrier against bacterial invasion, allows immune cells to access the area for defense.

Gingival Connective Tissue

  • Structure: Composed of collagen fibers, fibroblasts, and an extracellular matrix.
  • Function: Provides solidity to gingiva, attaches it to cementum and alveolar bone, supports blood vessels, nerves, and immune cells, transports water, nutrients, and metabolites; maintains tissue integrity; provides a scaffold for immune responses, aiding in host defense.

Periodontal Ligament (PDL)

  • Location: Connects cementum to alveolar bone.
  • Function: Provides support, sensory input (pressure), regenerative capabilities, helps withstand chewing forces.

Cementum

  • Location: Covers the root of the tooth.
  • Function: Anchors tooth to PDL via Sharpey's fibers, protects the root.

Alveolar Bone

  • Location: Forms tooth socket.
  • Function: Provides structural support and remodels in response to mechanical stress (e.g., chewing).

Gingival Sulcus

  • Shape: V-shaped
  • Depth: 1-3 mm in health; deeper sulcus may indicate periodontal disease.

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