Periodontal Ligament: Structural and Clinical Correlates

From Volume 31, Issue 1, January 2004 | Pages 46-54

Authors

Barry K.B. Berkovitz

BDS, FDS RCS (Eng.), MSc, PhD

Reader in Anatomy, Anatomy, Cell and Human Biology Group, GKT School of Biomedical Sciences, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL

Articles by Barry K.B. Berkovitz

Abstract

This paper reviews certain structural aspects of the periodontal ligament. These include collagen (type, crimping and fibril diameters), ground substance (functions), cells (fibroblast morphology, cell heterogenicity and distinguishing of cell phenotypes, cell kinetics, ‘foetal’ characteristics), nerves (presence of neuropeptides) and blood vessels (presence of fenestrations). Attention is drawn to recent advances in our understanding of the development of the periodontal ligament, especially cementum formation, and in the presence of bioactive molecules such as growth factors and cytokines.

Article