alveolodental ligament

alveolodental ligament

n.

See periodontal ligament.

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ligament (lig´ment),

n a tough, fibrous connective tissue band that connects bones or supports viscera. Some ligaments are distinct fibrous structures; others are folds of fascia or of indurated peritoneum; still others are the relics of unused fetal organs.

(alvē´lōden´tl),
n the principal fibers of periodontal ligament, made up of five groups: alveolar crest, horizontal, oblique, apical, and interradicular (if multirooted).

ligament, biologic width of periodontal,

n the width of the periodontal ligament in normal, functioning teeth. It varies with the age of the individual and the functional demands made on the tooth. In health, the periodontal ligament is about 0.25 and 0.1 mm in width, narrowest at the center of the alveolus and widest at the margin and apex.

ligament, periodontal (PDL),

n the method of attachment of the tooth to the alveolus. The ligament consists of numerous bundles of collagenous tissue (principal fibers) arranged in groups, between which is loose connective tissue, together with blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves. It functions as the investing and supportive mechanism for the tooth. Older term:
periodontal membrane.

ligament, sphenomandibular,

n a ligament extending from the spine of the sphenoid bone to the mandibular lingula.

ligament, stylohyoid,

n a ligament attached superior to the styloid process of the sphenoid bone.

ligament, stylomandibular,

n a ligament extending from the styloid process of the temporal bone and attached to the mandibular gonial angle.

ligament, temporomandibular,

n a triangular-shaped ligament extending from the lateral aspects of the root of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone to the mandibular subcondylar neck.