Periodontal Ligament Anatomy

What is the primary function of the periodontal ligament?

To support teeth in their socket

What is the approximate width of the periodontal ligament?

0.25 mm

What is the shape of the periodontal ligament?

Hourglass

What is the main component of the periodontal ligament fibers?

Collagen fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the periodontal ligament in relation to mastication?

To permit teeth to withstand masticatory forces Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal component of the extracellular compartment?

Glycosinaminoglycans Signup and view all the answers

What is the state of the periodontal ligament?

Remodeling Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of the principal fibers in the periodontal ligament?

Distinct and definite bundles Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the ground substance in periodontal ligament?

Glycosaminoglycans Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the periodontal ligament in relation to the vessels and nerves?

Provision of a soft tissue casing to protect Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is responsible for the innervation of the nerves in the periodontal ligament?

IV cranial nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the blood vessels in the periodontal ligament?

Supra-alveolar and infra-alveolar artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the calcified masses that may be present in the periodontal ligament?

Cementicles Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of water content in the ground substance of the periodontal ligament?

70% Signup and view all the answers

What are the terminal portions of the principal fibers that insert into cementum and bone termed as?

Sharpey's fibers Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fibers run from the cementum of one tooth to the cementum of an adjacent tooth?

Transseptal fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the alveolar crest fibers?

To prevent extrusion of the tooth Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest group of fibers in the periodontal ligament?

Oblique fibers Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fibers are found in multirooted teeth?

Interradicular fibers Signup and view all the answers

What type of fibers do not occur on incompletely formed roots?

Apical fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the periodontal ligament during the phase of tooth eruption?

The orientation of the collagen fiber bundles alters continuously Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the small collagen fibers associated with the larger principal collagen fibers?

Indifferent fiber plexus Signup and view all the answers