The ultrastructure of the gingival epithelial layer in adults

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26641/1997-9665.2026.2.12-20

Keywords:

Gums, gingival epithelium, ultrastructure, keratinocytes, transmission electron microscopy, keratinization

Abstract

Relevance. Periodontal diseases remain one of the most common problems in modern dentistry, which necessitates a detailed study of the morphofunctional state of the gums as the first biological barrier against pathogenic factors. Detailing the norms of the ultrastructural structure of the gums in adults is the foundation for studying the evolution of pathological processes and developing criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the latest protocols for treating gum disease. The aim was to study the features of the ultrastructural organisation of cell components of the epithelial layer of the gums in adults. Methods. Transmission electron microscopy was used to study the soft tissues of the periodontium in clinically healthy individuals. Results and conclusion. A gradient increase in the electron density of keratinocytes was detected in the direction from the basement membrane to the surface layers, reflecting the dynamics of specific cellular metamorphosis. These changes are determined by the morphofunctional heterogeneity of the ultrastructural organisation of cells in different layers of the gingival epithelium. The cells of the basal layer are characterised by their high functional activity, as evidenced by the presence of a well-developed synthetic apparatus. In the cells of the spinous layer, against the background of a decrease in synthetic functions, a clearly formed apparatus of intercellular connections is observed. Epithelial cells of the granular layer are characterised by the onset of keratinisation processes and preparation for programmed cell death. The architectonics of the stratum corneum is the determined result of a cascade of metabolic and structural changes occurring in the keratinocytes of the basal, spinous and granular layers.

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Published

2026-05-29

How to Cite

Zubachyk, V., Chelpanova , I., & Paltov , Y. (2026). The ultrastructure of the gingival epithelial layer in adults. Морфологія / Morphologia / Morfologìâ, 20(2), 12–20. https://doi.org/10.26641/1997-9665.2026.2.12-20

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Статті

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