The document discusses the junctional epithelium (JE), which is a non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium that adheres to the tooth surface at the base of the gingival crevice. It outlines the history of terminology used to describe the JE from 1915 to 1971. It describes the boundaries, length, shape, and cell layers of the JE. Finally, it notes some key functions of the JE, including acting as a barrier, allowing gingival crevicular fluid flow, providing attachment to the tooth, and secreting antimicrobial peptides.

1. DR. K.S. STELIN (HOD) DR. MARIYAM MOMIN
DR. PARUL ANEJA (READER) I YEAR PG
DEPARTMENT OF PERIODONTOLOGY & ORAL
IMPLANTOLOGY.

2.  A single or multiple layers
of non-keratinizing cells
adhering to the tooth
surface at the base of
gingival crevice.
- AAP – Periodontal literature review 1996

3. 1. Junctional epithelium (JE)
2. Sulcular epithelium
3. Oral epithelium
4. Epithelial rests of Malassez

4. G.V. Black
1915 – Subgingival space
Gottlieb
1921 – Epithelial attachment
(Epithelansatz)
Waerhaug
1952 – capillary space (epithelial cuff)
Orban
1960 – epithlial attachment cuff
The term Junctional epithelium was
coined by Andearson(1966)
Schroeder & Listgrten
1971 – electron microscopic structure of JE

7.  Boundaries of JE:
- Coronally: Base of gingival
sulcus
- Apical extent: PDL
- Outer aspect: Connective tissue
- Inner aspect: Root cementum
Length of JE:
Garguilo et.al. (1961) – 0.71mm-1.35mm
Carranza – 0.25mm-1.35mm
JE is conical in shape
15-30 cell layers coronally
1-3 cell layers apically

8.  Junctional epithelium is a stratified squamous non-
keratinized epithelium

10.  Acts as a barrier
 Allows GCF flow
 Has rapid turnover rate
 Provide attachment to the
tooth
 Secretes antimicrobial
peptides – defensins &
cathelicidin.