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The structure and function of periodontal innervation
Author(s) -
Steenberghe D.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
journal of periodontal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.31
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1600-0765
pISSN - 0022-3484
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0765.1979.tb00223.x
Subject(s) - periodontal fiber , reflex , afferent , anatomy , mechanoreceptor , proprioception , medicine , periodontium , free nerve ending , receptor , dentistry , neuroscience , biology , stimulation
The histology of periodontal innervation in man and of the neural endings in the periodontal ligament in particular remains a controversial matter. Quantitative ultrastructural studies are needed and would help clarifying some functional characteristics of periodontal mechanoreceptors. Most of these characteristics are comparable to those of tegumental receptors elsewhere in the body. Some discrepancies exist however between the findings in perpheral afferent nerves and the findings in the intra‐crainal centres. Concerning the functional significance of periodontal reeceptors, the jaw‐opening reflex and the silent period in jaw muscle activity are related to each other, and their importance is questioned. Although much work has been accomplished on the silent period, the concurrent monosynaptic reflex has been mostly neglected and it has not been demonstrated whether periodontal receptors are the only origin of these reflexes. The perdominant role of periodontal receptors in detecting and discriminating forces acting on a tooth and in the control of the mandibular position when an occlusal contact is present has been proven.