Sulcular Epithelium
Pronunciation: SUL-kyoo-lar EP-ih-THEE-lee-um
The non-keratinised epithelium lining the lateral wall of the gingival sulcus, facing the tooth surface. Editors should distinguish it from junctional epithelium, which forms the base of the sulcus.
Full Definition
Sulcular epithelium (also called crevicular epithelium) is the thin, non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium that lines the inner aspect of the gingival sulcus from the gingival margin to the coronal border of the junctional epithelium. Unlike the outer oral epithelium, it is permeable to bacterial toxins and inflammatory mediators, making it clinically significant in periodontal pathogenesis. Editors frequently encounter this term in histological and pathophysiology sections of periodontal manuscripts. It must not be substituted for 'junctional epithelium,' which is a structurally and functionally distinct tissue. The preferred adjective form is 'sulcular,' not 'sulcus.'
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'sulcular' over 'sulcus' as the adjectival modifier. 'Crevicular epithelium' is an acceptable synonym but may appear dated in contemporary manuscripts.
In Context
- "Histological sections revealed ulceration of the sulcular epithelium consistent with acute periodontal inflammation." — Periodontal pathology manuscript
- "The author incorrectly used 'junctional epithelium' where the context clearly described the sulcular epithelium lining the lateral sulcus wall." — Copy-editing note