Periodontal ligament principal fiber groups

The alveolar crest is the uppermost part of the alveolar process. It forms a ridge of bone that surrounds the tooth at the level of the cementoenamel junction.

The alveolar crest principal fibers connect the acellular cervical cementum to the alveolar crest bone.

The horizontal principal fibers connect the acellular cervical cementum to the more superior regions of the alveolar bone proper. These fibers are oriented horizontally.

The oblique principal fibers are the most numerous fibers in the periodontal ligament. They connect the cementum along the remaining length of the root to the alveolar bone proper. These fibers provide the majority of support against the forces of mastication.

The principal fibers of the periodontal ligament secure the tooth in the socket and consist of five major subgroups: alveolar crest, horizontal, oblique, apical, and interradicular fibers, on multi-root teeth. These collagen fibers connect the cementum to the alveolar bone and grouped according to the regions they connect. Three of the five groups are visible in these images. 100x

The principal fibers of the periodontal ligament secure the tooth in the socket and consist of five major subgroups: alveolar crest, horizontal, oblique, apical, and interradicular fibers, on multi-root teeth. These collagen fibers connect the cementum to the alveolar bone and grouped according to the regions they connect. Three of the five groups are visible in these images. 100x

These images were taken of a slide from the University of Michigan slide collection.