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Cell surface patterns in normal human oral gingival epithelium. A quantitative scanning electron microscopy approach
G Moreu1, M C Sánchez-Quevedo, J A López-Escámez
1Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Granada, Spain.
Histology and Histopathology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Researchers identified five distinct cell surface patterns on human gingival epithelium using scanning electron microscopy. The reticular and fingerprint patterns were most common, potentially serving as a standard for future gingival health studies.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Cellular morphology
- Scanning electron microscopy
Background:
- The human oral gingival epithelium plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health.
- Understanding the surface morphology of gingival cells is essential for diagnosing and treating periodontal diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and classify the morphological surface patterns of cells covering the attached gingiva and intervestibular papilla of the human oral gingival epithelium.
- To establish a standard for future cytological studies and characterization of morphological alterations in diseased gingiva.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the surface topography of gingival epithelial cells.
- Morphological surface patterns were described based on visual characteristics observed under SEM.
Main Results:
- Five distinct morphological surface patterns were identified: microvilli, parallel, fingerprint, reticular, and pitted.
- Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the frequency of these patterns between the attached gingiva and intervestibular papilla.
- The reticular and fingerprint patterns were found to be the predominant types in both regions.
Conclusions:
- The identified morphological surface patterns provide a detailed classification of human gingival epithelium.
- This classification can serve as a valuable standard for comparative cytological studies.
- The findings may aid in the characterization of morphological changes associated with gingival diseases.