Histology of gingiva hard

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following describes the function of the oral epithelium?

Provides structural support to the gingiva

Acts as a barrier against pathogens (correct)

Serves as a shock absorber for the periodontal ligament

Facilitates the exchange of nutrients with blood vessels

Which structure is NOT part of the gingival anatomy?

Periodontal ligament

Oral epithelium

Dentin (correct)

Sulcular epithelium

What is the role of the junctional epithelium?

Supports periodontal bone density

Absorbs shock during mastication

Connects the gingiva to the teeth (correct)

Facilitates blood flow to the gingiva

What problem may arise from gingivitis if it is left untreated?

Periodontitis Signup and view all the answers

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

Acts as scaffolding for the gingiva Signup and view all the answers

Which structure sits above the periodontal ligament?

Junctional epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'non-keratinized' epithelium imply about its properties compared to keratinized tissue?

Higher permeability and absorbency Signup and view all the answers

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

To provide a barrier against bacterial invasion Signup and view all the answers

How many cellular layers are described for the junctional epithelium?

4 to 5 cells thick Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the body’s epithelium when teeth erupt?

It forms a junction around the opening Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the process of forming junctional epithelium?

A natural process of sealing an opening Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of high cell turnover in the junctional epithelium?

It allows for rapid repair and adaptation Signup and view all the answers

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

A natural sealing of the opening by epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following layers is NOT typically associated with the structure of junctional epithelium?

Granular cell layer Signup and view all the answers

What structure connects epithelial cells to the basal lamina?

Hemidesmosomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the junctional epithelium?

Act as a barrier and host defense Signup and view all the answers

Which component of gingival connective tissue provides solidity and attachment?

Lamina propria Signup and view all the answers

How many cell layers are typically associated with hemidesmosomes in the junctional epithelium?

3-4 layers Signup and view all the answers

What is released from the gingival connective tissue to aid in defense?

Gingival crevicular fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component that attaches the gingiva to the tooth roots and alveolar bone?

Connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What are closely packed epithelial cells in the junctional epithelium primarily connected by?

Desmosomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the internal basal lamina?

To separate epithelial cells from the tooth surface Signup and view all the answers

What type of cell junction is primarily involved in the attachment of junctional epithelium to the tooth surface?

Hemidesmosomes Signup and view all the answers

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

8-10 Signup and view all the answers

What does the external basal lamina provide a separation between?

Epithelial cells and the gingival connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of junctional epithelium structure?

Closely packed epithelial cells Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about hemidesmosomes in the junctional epithelium is correct?

There are two hemidesmosomes at the apical end. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of desmosomes in junctional epithelium?

To connect neighboring epithelial cells Signup and view all the answers

Why is the attachment of junctional epithelium to the tooth surface crucial?

It prevents bacterial invasion. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary structural component of the junctional epithelium?

Epithelial cells Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oral Epithelium

Attaches to the tooth & periodontal ligament
Acts as a scaffolding, supporting structures of the gingiva
Functions as a shock absorber for the teeth - holds everything together
4-5 cells thick at the apical zone
Non-keratinized: cells are more permeable, high absorbancy

Sulcular Epithelium

Located in the gingival sulcus, space between the tooth and the gingiva
4-5 cells thick, closely packed epithelial cells
Connected to neighboring cells by desmosomes (cell junctions)
Hemidesmosomes and internal basal lamina anchor it to the tooth surface
Hemidesmosomes and external basal lamina anchor it to the gingival connective tissue

Junctional Epithelium

Attached to the tooth surface, it acts as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the body
Provides host defense by allowing the passage of white blood cells and antibodies from the gingival crevicular fluid
4-5 cell layers thick, tightly joined
Attaches to the tooth by hemidesmosomes and internal basal lamina
Attaches to the connective tissue by hemdesmosomes and external basal lamina
Origin: It is formed from the continuous sheet of epithelium covering the body. The tooth penetrates this sheet during eruption, creating an opening that the body attempts to seal with epithelium.

Cell Junctions

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

Functions of Gingival Connective Tissue

Provides solidity to the free and attached gingiva
Attaches the gingiva to the cementum of the root and the alveolar bone
Transports water, nutrients, metabolites, oxygen, etc., to and from individual connective tissue cells within the matrix
Plays a role in the host response - immune response

Supragingival Fibers of Connective Tissue

Made of elastic collagen fibers, they are a vital component of the gingival connective tissue
Functions:
- Keeping the gingiva upright
- Withstanding forces from different directions
- Bracing
These fibers disintegrate during inflammation.

Dentogingival Fibers (Connective Tissue)

Alveologingival: Alveolar crest to gingival connective tissue
Circular: Ring around coronally above crestal bone
Dentogingival: Cementum fan into gingival connective tissue
Periosteogingival: Fan from periosteum
Intergingival: Mesiodistal direction along the whole dental arch, linking teeth together
Intercircular: Encircle several teeth linking teeth together
Interpapillary: Located in the papilla connect oral & vestibular papilla
Transgingival: Cementum to CEJ and run horizontally linking teeth together
Transeptal: Cementum of one tooth to another tooth over crestal bone

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Description

Explore the intricate functions and structures of oral epithelium, sulcular epithelium, and junctional epithelium. This quiz delves into their roles in supporting gingival health and preventing bacterial entry. Assess your understanding of their cellular composition and anchoring mechanisms.