MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY OF GINGIVAL CONNECTIVE TISSUE

1. The functions of the connective tissue of the gums. The gingival connective tissue free and attached gingiva provides strength gums and makes the gums to cement root and alveolar bone. The gingival connective tissue, also known as the lamina propria [1,12].

2. Components of the connective tissue of the gums

A. Cells

1. Unlike gingival epithelium (which has a variety of cells and sparse extracellular matrix), gums connective tissue, the abundance of extracellular matrix and multiple cells (Fig. 2-11).

2. The cells make up about 5% of the connective tissue of the gums.

3. Different types of cells present in gum connective tissue include

a. Fibroblasts

B. Fat cells

c. Immune system cells, such as macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes.

4. The connective tissue fibers are produced by fibroblasts.

B. Extracellular Matrix

1. The main components of the connective tissue protein fibres, fibroblasts, vessels and nerves embedded in the extracellular matrix.

In the matrix of the connective tissue is mainly produced by fibroblasts.

2. The matrix is the environment in which the cells of the connective tissue is built and it is essential to maintain the normal function of the connective tissue. For transportation of water, nutrients, metabolites, oxygen and others, and from individual cells of connective tissue occurs in the matrix.

3. Protein fibers make up about 55% to 65% of the connective tissue of the gums. Most of them collagen fibers, which form a dense network of strong, ropelike cables that protect and hold the connective tissue of the gums together [13].

4. Collagen fibers allow gum to form a rigid cuffs around the tooth.

5. Gel-like material between cells is about 30% to 35% of the connective tissue of the gums. This gel-like material allows to hold together the fabric.

3. Supragingival bundles of fibers of the connective tissue of the gums. Supragingival fiber bundles (gums fibers), network ropelike fiber bundles of collagen in connective tissue of the gums (Fig. 2-12). These fibers are coronal (above) the alveolar ridge (Fig. 2-13).

A. characteristics of fibrous Bundles

1. In bundles of fibers embedded in a gel-like extracellular matrix of connective tissue in the gums.

2. Supragingival fiber bundles, to strengthen the attachment JE tooth binding gingival edge of the tooth. 3. Together JE and gums fiber called periodontal units. In gingival unit acts to provide structural support to the gingival tissue.

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