Functional morphology of the periodontal ligament in the incisor region of the sheep.
The morphology of the periodontal ligament round the sheep incisor tooth is described. Thick, undecalcified sections (100 mum) allow separation of the collagenous fibres into distinct fibre groups and these are compared to similar groups found in other animals. The relationship between the forces applied to the teeth and the distribution of the fibre groups is discussed and it is concluded that there is a functional relationship between the two.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007180:Incisor / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008409:Mastication; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D012756:Sheep / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology