Chapter 2) Microscopic Anatomy Of The Periodontium Flashcards
Histology
Is a branch of anatomy concerned with the study of the microscopic features of tissues.
Tissue
A group of interconnected cells that perform a similar function within an organism.
Cells
Are the smallest structural unit of living matter capable of functioning independently.
Extracellular matrix
Mesh-like material that surrounds the cells.
This material helps to hold cells together and provides a framework within which cells can migrate and interact with one another.
Epithelial tissue
The tissue that makes up the outer surface of the body (skin or epidermis) and lines, the body cavities, such as the mouth, stomach and intestines (mucosa).
Stratified squamous epithelium
A type of epithelium that is compromised of flat cells are arranged in several layers.
Basal lamina
A thin mat of extracellular matrix secreted by the epithelial cells. This basal lamina mat supports the epithelium (somewhat like the scaffolding of a building.)
Keratinization
The process by which epithelial cells on the surface of the skin, become stronger and waterproof.
Keratinized, epithelial cells
Have no nuclei and form a tough, resistant layer on the surface of the skin.
Nonkeratinized, epithelial cells
Have nuclei an act as a cushion against mechanical stress and wear. nonkeratinized epithelial cells are softer and more flexible.
Found in areas such as the mucosal lining of the cheeks: permitting the mobility needed to speak, chew, and make facial expressions.
Connective tissue
Fills the space is between the tissues and organs in the body. It supports and binds other tissues. Connective tissue consists of cells, separated by abundant extracellular substance.
Epithelial-connective tissue interface
Is the boundary where the epithelial and connective tissues meet.
Basement membrane
I thin layer of tissue visible with a light microscope beneath the epithelium. The basement membrane is formed by the combination of a basal lamina and a reticular lamina.
Epithelial ridges
Deep extensions of epithelium that reach down into the connective tissue, the epithelial ridges are also known as rete pegs.
Connective tissue papillae
Finger-like extensions of connective tissue that project up an interlock with the epithelium.
Cell junctions
Are cellular structures that mechanically attach a cell and its cytoskeleton to its neighbouring cell or to the basal lamina.
Desmosome
A specialized cell junction that connects to neighbouring epithelial cells and their cytoskeleton’s together
Hemidesmosome
A specialized cell junction that connects the epithelial cells to the basal lamina
Gingival epithelium
Is a specialized stratified squamous epithelium that functions well in the wet environment of the oral cavity.
Oral epithelium
Epithelium that faces the oral cavity
Sulcular epithelium
Epithelium that faces the tooth surface without being in contact with the tooth surface
Junctional epithelium
Epithelium that attaches the gingiva to the tooth
Keratinized
A tough fibrous structural protein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and the oral epithelium.
Parakeratinized
(Partially) a tough fibrous structural protein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and the oral epithelium.
Keratin
Is a tough fibrous structural protein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin in the oral epithelium.
Gingival crevicular fluid
A serum-like fluid that is composed of serum and locally generated material such as tissue breakdown products, inflammatory, mediators, and anybody’s directed against dental plaque bacteria.
Internal basal lamina
Is thin basal lamina between the junctional epithelium in the tooth surface.
External basal lamina
Is thin basal lamina between the junctional epithelium, and the gingival connective tissue.
Collagen fibres
Form a dense network of strong rope, like cables that secure and hold the gingival connective tissues together.
Supragingival, fibre bundles
A network of rope-like collagen, fibre bundles in the gingival connective tissue.
these fibres are located Coronal to (above) the crest of the alveolar bone.
Dentogingival unit
The junctional epithelium in the gingival fibres are referred to as dentogingival unit. The dentogingival unit acts to provide structural support to the gingival tissue.
Periosteum
A dense membrane composed of fibrous connective tissue, that closely wraps the outer surface of the alveolar bone.
Periodontal ligament
Is a thin sheet of fibrous connective tissue that surrounds the roots of the teeth and joins the root cementum with the socket wall.
Fibre bundles of the PDL
Are a specialized connective tissue that surrounds the root of the tooth and connect it to the alveolar bone. These fibres are the largest component of the PDL.
Cementum proteins (CEMP1)
Is a tissue-specific protein for cementum.
This protein is only expressed by cementoblasts, their progenitors and by periodontal ligament-derived cells.
OMG (overlap, meat, gap.)
1) overlap- the cementum overlaps the enamel for a short distance
2) Meet- the cementum meets the enamel.
3) Gap- there is a small gap between the cementum an enamel (exposing the Dentin in this area.) 
Alveolar process
Is the part of the maxilla and mandible that forms, and supports the sockets of the teeth.
Bone remodelling
When the alveolar bone constantly undergoes periods of bone formation and resorption (loss) in response to Mechanical forces on the tooth and inflammation of the periodontium.
