Junctional Epithelium — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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HardPeriodontology PrinciplesJunctional EpitheliumMFDS Part 1

A histological section of a healthy dentogingival junction is examined. Which paired structures mediate attachment of the tooth-facing junctional epithelial cells to the mineralised tooth surface?

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Correct answer: C — Hemidesmosomes and the internal basal lamina

The tooth-facing cells of the junctional epithelium attach to the mineralised tooth surface through hemidesmosomes associated with a specialised internal basal lamina. The external basal lamina is located at the opposite interface, between the junctional epithelium and gingival connective tissue, so option D identifies the wrong surface. Desmosomes provide cell-to-cell adhesion between epithelial cells rather than attachment to the tooth, excluding C and D. Tight junctions regulate paracellular permeability and the acquired enamel pellicle is a salivary-derived surface film; they do not constitute the epithelial attachment apparatus. Thus, A correctly identifies both the adhesion structure and the relevant basal lamina.

Reference: Theodoro LH et al. Role of junctional epithelium in maintaining dento-gingival adhesion and periodontal health, Figure 1 and accompanying text. Frontiers in Dental Medicine. 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39916903/