The fine structure of the human peridental ligament

An electron microscope study was made of the human peridental ligament of the young adult. Examination of several cells which occur in this site exhibit a marked variation in number and distribution of organelles. The fibrous components made up chiefly, if not entirely, of collagen fibers averaged 600 Å in diameter. These fibers usually referred to as principal fibers show an arrangement both in the peridental space proper and also at the surface of the root of a marked irregularity, more so than can be ascertained at the optical level. Our study shows that the arrangement of the principal fibers is more complex than previously described and further that many of the diverse cells present in the peridental space are in an active functional state indicative of the dynamic potential they possess in reference to fibrilogenesis, cementogenesis and osteogenesis in this area.