Oral Epithelium Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the oral epithelium in relation to the gingiva?

To facilitate the movement of the jaw

To absorb nutrients from food

To produce saliva for digestion

To protect underlying tissues (correct)

Which layer of the oral epithelium is closest to the surface?

Keratinized cell layer (correct)

Prickle cell layer

Basal cell layer

Granular cell layer

What type of cells primarily make up the basal cell layer of the oral epithelium?

Cube-shaped cells (correct)

Flat squamous cells

Ciliated epithelial cells

Columnar cells

What characteristic do the cells in the prickle cell layer of the oral epithelium have?

They have large intercellular spaces Signup and view all the answers

How does the keratinized cell layer differ from the granular cell layer?

Keratinized cells are fully keratinized and flattened Signup and view all the answers

What role do desmosomes play in the layers of oral epithelium?

They provide mechanical strength and cell adhesion Signup and view all the answers

What connects epithelial cells to the basal lamina?

Hemidesmosomes Signup and view all the answers

Which cell junction connects neighbouring epithelial cells and their cytoskeletons?

Desmosomes Signup and view all the answers

What role does the gingival connective tissue play?

Provides solidity and attachment to the bone Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of junctional epithelium?

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

Which structure is involved in attaching the gingiva to the alveolar bone?

Lamina propria Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'hemidesmosomes' refer to?

Attachments of epithelial cells to the basal lamina Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium is the sulcular epithelium classified as?

Stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium Signup and view all the answers

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

To facilitate the exchange of substances with the sulcus Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic does the junctional epithelium have in comparison to the sulcular epithelium?

Higher cell turnover rate Signup and view all the answers

How does the sulcular epithelium interface with the underlying connective tissue?

At a smooth interface Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate length range of the junctional epithelium?

0.71 – 1.35 mm Signup and view all the answers

What is the cell thickness of the sulcular epithelium at the coronal zone?

15 - 30 cells thick Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes nonkeratinized epithelium from keratinized epithelium?

Lack of a protective outer layer Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the junctional epithelium's cellular structure?

Is thin, with few cell layers Signup and view all the answers

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

It acts as a barrier to seal the opening created during tooth eruption. Signup and view all the answers

Where does the junctional epithelium originate from?

Basal cell layer of the epithelium. Signup and view all the answers

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

The sealing connection formed by attaching epithelium. Signup and view all the answers

Which cell layer does NOT contribute directly to the formation of junctional epithelium?

Keratininized cell layer Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the junctional epithelium is important for its function?

It is more permeable compared to other epithelial layers. Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the attachment of epithelium to seal the tooth opening?

Epithelial attachment. Signup and view all the answers

During tooth eruption, what happens to the continuous epithelial sheet?

An opening is created through which the tooth penetrates. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'embryology' in this context refer to?

The natural development process of tissues. Signup and view all the answers

Which layer is most responsible for the regenerative capability of the junctional epithelium?

Basal cell layer. Signup and view all the answers

What function does the junctional epithelium NOT serve?

Facilitating tooth absorption. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oral Epithelium

Covers the outer surface of the free and attached gingiva, extending from the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction.
Only part of the periodontium visible without magnification.
High cell turnover rate.
Stratified squamous epithelium with several layers:
- Basal cell layer: Cube-shaped cells.
- 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.

Sulcular Epithelium

Lines the gingival sulcus, facing the tooth but not in contact with it.
Thin, non-keratinized epithelium without rete pegs.
Semi-permeable, allowing gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) flow from connective tissue into the sulcus.
Harbors bacteria.

Junctional Epithelium

Stratified squamous, non-keratinized epithelium.
Connects the gingiva to the tooth surface.
Length: 0.71–1.35 mm.
Cell thickness varies: 15–30 cells coronally, 4–5 cells apically.
High cell turnover.
More permeable than keratinized tissue due to lack of keratinization.
Forms due to the body sealing the opening created when teeth erupt through the epithelial sheet. It's an embryological process of connection.
Attachment to connective tissue via hemidesmosomes and the external basal lamina.

Cell Junctions

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

Functions of Junctional Epithelium

Attachment of gingiva to tooth.
Barrier function.
Host defense.
GCF leakage.

Gingival Connective Tissue (Lamina Propria)

Provides solidity to the gingiva.
Attaches gingiva to cementum and alveolar bone.
Transports water, nutrients, metabolites, and oxygen to connective tissue cells.
Mediates host immune response.

Connective Tissue Fibers

Supragingival Fibers: Maintain gingival integrity and withstand forces. Their disintegration contributes to inflammation.
- Alveologingival
- Circular
- Dentogingival
- Periosteogingival
- Intergingival
- Intercircular
- Interpapillary
- Transgingival
- Transeptal

Gingival Sulcus in Health

Depth: Not specified in provided text.
Shape: Not specified in provided text.

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Description

This quiz covers the detailed structure and functions of the oral epithelium, including the free and attached gingiva, sulcular epithelium, and junctional epithelium. Learn about the cell types, turnover rates, and unique characteristics of these epithelial layers crucial for oral health. Test your understanding of their roles in the periodontium.