composed of:
· Stratified epithelial layer
· Lamina propria connective tissue
These components are separated by a boundary
referred to as the basement membrane, mainly composed of reticular fibers. (1).
EPITHELIUM
The epithelium is a stratified squamous layer, which generally is covered by a protective keratin layer. However in some cases it may lack this keratinized layer. The layer found closest to the basement membrane consist of cuboidal cells called the basal cell layer of stratum germinativum. This layer contains melanocytes which secrete the pigment melanin, which gives the gums its characteristic pink color.
On top of this are several layers of polyhedral cells called the stratum spinosum. It is in this layer where most mitotic divisions occur, allowing the tissue to continue to grow and remain healthy. The cells in each layer become increasingly flattened in the transition to the surface. These outmermost layers contain basoplhilic granules which secrete the materials which become the keratin. The tissue layer which contains these keratohyaline granules is called stratum granulosum. (1).
LAMINA PROPRIA
The lamina propria is the connective tissue layer which lies below the epithelium layer, providing structural support (1). In the gingiva, it is composed mainly of bundles of dense collagen fibers. These bundles are found to have a highly organized arrangement in the connective tissue layer, specifically in three different orientations. They may extend from the tooth surface into the gums, wrap around the tooth in a circular fashion or extend from the bone of the alveolar process into the gingiva (1). This third orientation may be observed by the naked eye when examining the external gum tissue as having a rough, orange-peel appearance. This is known as stippling. (3)
The epithelium is a stratified squamous layer, which generally is covered by a protective keratin layer. However in some cases it may lack this keratinized layer. The layer found closest to the basement membrane consist of cuboidal cells called the basal cell layer of stratum germinativum. This layer contains melanocytes which secrete the pigment melanin, which gives the gums its characteristic pink color.
On top of this are several layers of polyhedral cells called the stratum spinosum. It is in this layer where most mitotic divisions occur, allowing the tissue to continue to grow and remain healthy. The cells in each layer become increasingly flattened in the transition to the surface. These outmermost layers contain basoplhilic granules which secrete the materials which become the keratin. The tissue layer which contains these keratohyaline granules is called stratum granulosum. (1).
LAMINA PROPRIA
The lamina propria is the connective tissue layer which lies below the epithelium layer, providing structural support (1). In the gingiva, it is composed mainly of bundles of dense collagen fibers. These bundles are found to have a highly organized arrangement in the connective tissue layer, specifically in three different orientations. They may extend from the tooth surface into the gums, wrap around the tooth in a circular fashion or extend from the bone of the alveolar process into the gingiva (1). This third orientation may be observed by the naked eye when examining the external gum tissue as having a rough, orange-peel appearance. This is known as stippling. (3)
As well as its supporting function, the lamina propria is vascularized, containing a rich supply of blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as nerves. Therefore this connective tissue layer plays an important role in fighting infection that may occur as the oral mucosa comes in contact with harmful bacteria and other pathogens.
Interesting Fact:
Interesting Fact:
Did you know that the collagen fibers that compose the gingival connective tissue has been found to be much denser in males than in females?? (1)
