Histology of Gingivae PDF

**[Histology of Gingivae ]** **[Learning outcomes ]** **1. Identify and label the three anatomic areas of the gingival epithelium: Oral Epithelium (OE), Sulcular Epithelium (SE), and Junctional Epithelium (JE).** - **Oral Epithelium (OE)**: - Covers both the **free gingiva** and **attach...

**[Histology of Gingivae ]** **[Learning outcomes ]** **1. Identify and label the three anatomic areas of the gingival epithelium: Oral Epithelium (OE), Sulcular Epithelium (SE), and Junctional Epithelium (JE).** - **Oral Epithelium (OE)**: - Covers both the **free gingiva** and **attached gingiva**. - Extends from the **gingival margin** to the **mucogingival junction**. - **Tissue Type**: Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium. - Visible to the unaided eye. - **Sulcular Epithelium (SE)**: - Lines the **gingival sulcus** (space between the tooth and free gingiva). - **Tissue Type**: Stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium. - Forms part of the **free gingiva**, does not come into direct contact with the tooth. - **Junctional Epithelium (JE)**: - Forms the **epithelial attachment** to the tooth at the base of the sulcus. - **Tissue Type**: Stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium. - Anchors the gingiva to the tooth and prevents bacterial invasion. **2. Describe the anatomy and function of the following structures: Oral Epithelium, Sulcular Epithelium, and Junctional Epithelium.** - **Oral Epithelium (OE)**: - **Anatomy**: Multiple cell layers (basal, prickle, granular, keratinized). - **Function**: Protects underlying tissues by forming a keratinized barrier against physical and microbial damage. - **Sulcular Epithelium (SE)**: - **Anatomy**: Thin, non-keratinized, no rete pegs, smooth interface with connective tissue. - **Function**: Forms the lining of the gingival sulcus, creating a semi-permeable barrier that allows **gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)** to flow into the sulcus, aiding in immune defense. - **Junctional Epithelium (JE)**: - **Anatomy**: Thin, stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium. - **Function**: Provides attachment between the gingiva and the tooth, acting as a barrier against bacterial invasion while allowing immune cells to access the area for defense. **3. Describe the function of gingival connective tissue.** - **Gingival Connective Tissue (Lamina Propria)**: - **Structure**: Composed of collagen fibers, fibroblasts, and an extracellular matrix. - **Function**: - Provides **solidity** to the gingiva and attaches it to the **cementum** and **alveolar bone**. - Supports **blood vessels, nerves**, and **immune cells**. - Plays a role in the transportation of water, nutrients, and metabolites, maintaining tissue integrity. - Provides a scaffold for immune responses, aiding in **host defense**. **4. Be aware that other structures are part of the gingiva: Periodontal Ligament, Cementum, and Alveolar Bone.** - **Periodontal Ligament (PDL)**: - **Location**: Connects the **cementum** of the tooth to the **alveolar bone**. - **Function**: Provides support, sensory input (detects pressure), and regenerative capabilities, helping the tooth withstand chewing forces. - **Cementum**: - **Location**: Covers the root of the tooth. - **Function**: Anchors the tooth to the PDL via **Sharpey\'s fibers** and protects the root. - **Alveolar Bone**: - **Location**: Forms the socket that houses the tooth. - **Function**: Provides structural support and remodels in response to mechanical stress, like chewing. **5. What is the depth and shape of the gingival sulcus in health?** - **Shape**: V-shaped. - **Depth**: In health, the gingival sulcus measures **1-3 mm**. A deeper sulcus may indicate periodontal disease.