Oral Biology- structure and functions Flashcards
(154 cards)
What are the 3 main functions of the periodontium
- Retain tooth in socket
- Resist masticatory loads
- Defensive barrier, protecting tissues against threats from the oral environments
What is the junctional epithelium?
The physical barrier separating the body tissues from the oral environment
What are the 2 types of typical types of cementum and define them
- Acellular cementum
- no cells within
- usually adjacent to dentine
- first formed - Cellular cementum
- contains cementocytes
- later formed
- present in apical part of root and furcation regions
What are the alternative classifications for cementum? Define them
Acellular extrinsic fibre cementum
- collagen fibres from PDL (sharpeys fibres) penetrate it
- equivalent to primary cementum
- present at cervical 2/3 of roots
Cellular intrinsic fibre cementum
- no sharpeys fibres
- intrinsic collagen fibres parallel to surface
- no role in tooth attachment
What is the function of alveolar bone and what role does it play in attachment?
Alveolar bone supports the teeth
It provides attachment for periodontal ligament fibres (sharpeys fibres)
What happens to the alveolar bone when teeth are lost?
The alveolar process is resorbed, leaving a ‘residual ridge’
What is the periodontal ligament and what 5 things does it contain?
A connective tissue
- cells
- extra cellular matrix
- fibres
- nerves
- blood vessels
What property does the extracellular matrix in the PDL have?
Behaves as a viscoelastic gel
What 5 types of cells are present in the PDL?
Fibroblasts Cementoblasts Osteoclasts and cementoclast Epithelial cells Defence cells
What 2 main divisions of nerves are in the PDL? And any subdivisions within them
- Sensory
i) mechanoreceptors (Aβ and Aδ fibres)
- rapidly and slowly adapting
- proprioception: chewing control
ii) nociceptors (Aδ and C fibres)
- protective reflexes
- inhibit jaw elevator motor neurons - Autonomic (sympathetic)
- blood vessel control- vasoconstriction
What is the PDL blood supply for
a) the PDL passing into the alveolar bone
b) the gingiva
a) inferior and superior alveolar arteries
b) lingual and palatine arteries
What are the 2 types of periodontal fibres
True periodontal ligament
- fibres connecting tooth to bone, at or apical to alveolar crest
‘Gingival’ ligament
- fibres mainly ABOVE alveolar crest
- including ‘free gingival’ fibres
What is the function of the periodontal ligament?
Attaches tooth to jaw
Transmits biting forces to alveolar bone
What is the width of the PDL
Approx 0.2mm
What 3 types of fibres are present in the PDL
- Collagen (types I and III)
- principal fibres- true periodontal ligament
- support tooth; load bearing - Oxytalan fibres
- present in human PDL
- function uncertain - Elastic fibres
- absent in humans
What is the function of gingival fibre groups in the peridontium?
Name the 4 types
Support the free gingiva
Dento-gingival
Alveolo-gingival
Dento-periosteal
Circular
Name 4 circumstances the PDL is most subjected to intrusive forces
Mastication
Swallowing
Speech
Parafunctions (e.g. Clenching, grinding)
What is the periodontium?
The tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth
Describe regional variations in enamel in terms of mineralisation and hardness
Surface enamel is more mineralised and harder than deeper enamel
Hardness decreases from cusp tip/incisal edge to cervical region
What is the basic unit of enamel and what is its dimensions?
Enamel rod (or prism)
5 μm x 2.5 mm
From where and to where do enamel rods run?
How many HA crystallites are in each rod?
Run from ADJ to enamel surface (whole length)
Rods contain >10^6 HA crystallites
What is the composition of enamel?
HA: 95% weight 90% volume
Water: 4% weight. 5-10% volume
Organic matrix: 1% weight. 1-2% volume
What makes up HA and what is its chemical formula?
Calcium, phosphate and hydroxyl
Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2
What are the dimensions of HA crystallites?
70 nm x 25 nm x upto 1 μm