Periodontal Ligament Flashcards
1
Q
What is the periodontal ligament?
A
A connective tissue that attaches the tooth to the jaw
2
Q
What is the function of the periodontal ligament?
A
To transmit the biting force to the alveolar bone
3
Q
Name 5 components of the periodontal ligament.
A
Cells Extracellular Matrix Fibres Nerves Blood vessels
4
Q
What is the consistency of the periodontal ligament matrix and what does it allow.
A
Elastic gel like matrix allows the absorption of forces
5
Q
What are epithelial cell rests of Malassez?
A
Discrete clusters of residual cells from Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath
6
Q
What are the discrete clusters of cells that didn’t disappear from Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath?
A
Epithelial cell rests of Malassez
7
Q
What are the 2 sensory receptors and what are their functions?
A
- Mechanoreceptors - for chewing mechanism
- Nociceptors - danger reflexes
