Crevicular Epithelium
The non-keratinised epithelial lining of the gingival sulcus that faces the tooth surface and is distinct from the oral sulcular epithelium.
Full Definition
Crevicular epithelium is the thin, non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium that lines the lateral wall of the gingival crevice (sulcus), separated from the tooth by the crevicular fluid space. It is more permeable than attached gingival epithelium, allowing the passage of inflammatory mediators and bacterial products. Editors should not conflate this term with 'junctional epithelium', which forms the base of the sulcus and attaches directly to the tooth surface. Both terms appear in periodontal pathology manuscripts and must be rendered precisely.
Usage
Usage note: 'Sulcular epithelium' is used interchangeably in much of the periodontal literature; confirm the author's preferred term and apply consistently throughout a manuscript.
In Context
- "Breakdown of the crevicular epithelium facilitates bacterial invasion into the underlying connective tissue." — Periodontal pathology journal article
- "The biopsy specimen included crevicular epithelium and a portion of the underlying lamina propria." — Oral pathology histology report