Cell Rests Of Malassez: Structure, Organelle Features, And Age Variations

Cell Rests Of Malassez: Structure, Organelle Features, And Age Variations

Question 1. Cell rests of Malassez.
Answer:

• They were first described by Malassez in 1884.
• They are remnants of HERS.

Cell rests of Malassez Site:

• Found close to the cementum.
• Abundant in the furcation areas.

Cell rests of Malassez Features:

1. Cell-cuboidal, closely packed.

2. Cytoplasm.

• Scanty.
• Contains tonofibrils inserted into desmosomes and hemidesmosomes.

3. Nucleus

• Prominent and deeply stained.

4. Cell organelles.

• Mitochondria are distributed throughout the cytoplasm.
• Poorly developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and approx
• Less – in older individuals.
• More- in children.

2. In position.

Apical region – during the second decade of life

Cervically – later life.

Cell rests of Malassez Fate:

pathological conditions, they undergo rapid proliferation and produce a variety of cysts and tumors or may also undergo calcification to become clementines.

Question 2. Functions of PDL
Answer:

1. Supportive

• When a tooth is moved in its socket due to the force of mastication or orthodontic force, part of the periodontal space is narrowed while the other is widened
• The periodontal ligament in the narrow periodontal space is compressed
• The collagen fibers in this area act as a cushion for the displaced tooth

2. Sensory

• When teeth move in their sockets, they distort receptors in the PDL and trigger a response
• PDL carries tactile sensation from teeth and hence helps in the localization of pain
• PDL contributes to the sensation of touch and pressure

3. Nutritive

• The blood vessel within the PDL provides nutrition to the cementocytes of the PDL and osteocytes of the alveolar bone
• The blood vessel also help in the removal of the catabolites from the cells

4. Homeostatic

• The cells of the PDL have the capability to synthesize and resorb the extracellular substance of the connective tissue of the ligament
• If the balance between synthesis and resorption is disturbed, the quality of the tissue is changed
• This gradually leads to loss of attachment which results in tooth loss
• In all areas of PDL, there is continual cell death which is replaced by new cells produced by the division of progenitor cells

5. Eruptive

• PDL components enable teeth to adjust their position
• PDL provides space and acts as a medium for cellular remodeling and hence continued eruptions occur

6. Physical

• PDL protects vessels and nerves from mechanical forces
• It offers resistance to impact from occlusal forces
• Acts as a shock absorber to transmit occlusal forces to the bone

7. Formative/Resorptive

• Cementoblast and osteoblast forms cementum and bone respectively
• Cementoclast and osteoclast resorbs cementum and bone respectively