Periodontal ligament
Ligamentum periodentale
- Latin synonym: Desmodontium
- Synonym: Periodontal fiber; Periodontal fibre
- Related terms: Desmodentium; Periodontal fibre
Definition
The periodontal fiber or periodontal ligament, commonly abbreviated as the PDL, is a group of specializedconnective tissue fibers that essentially attach a tooth to the alveolar bone within which it sits.These fibers help the tooth withstand the naturally substantial compressive forces which occur during chewing and remain embedded in the bone.
References
This definition incorporates text from the wikipedia website - Wikipedia: The free encyclopedia. (2004, July 22). FL: Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. Retrieved August 10, 2004, from http://www.wikipedia.org