title: Elastic fibre and hyaluronic acid in the core of human palatal rugae.
abstract: The core within the palatal rugae of humans contains elements which are believed to contribute to the maintenance of its shape. A cross-sectional study was represented by 23 specimens of human palatal mucosa aged 3 months to 80 years and stained for sulphated and non-sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAG), elastic tissue and collagen. Statistical correlations between core margin definition and age and elastic content were significant (p less than 0.005 and p less than 0.025). It was concluded that the main structural element of a ruga is not elastic tissue or collagen but GAG which by its hydrophilic nature causes the tissue to swell and contributes to the maintenance of the shape of a ruga throughout life.
authors: Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa.
authors: C J
authors: CJ
authors: Thomas
authors: C W
authors: CW
authors: Van Wyk
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004547:Elastic Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D010159:Palate / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D003094:Collagen