[Histological observation on gingival fibers of upper molar region]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the structures and functions of the gingival fibers extending in the mesiodistal direction (mesiodistal fibers) in the human gingiva of the upper molar region. They were observed by light and scanning electron microscopes. The findings are as follows: 1. There is a large number of mesiodistal fibers in the buccal gingiva of the upper molar region. 2. In addition to the factor of the space, there exists a close relation between the development of the mesiodistal fibers of the buccal gingiva and the function in its region. 3. The mesiodistal fibers are made up of primary and secondary fiber bundles. 4. The bundles of the mesiodistal fibers compose the three dimensional network and are twisted.