| Abstract Scope |
Interfaces in fibrous and fibrocartilaginous joints harbor hyperactive undifferentiated cells with multiple mechanosensory ion channels and incite anatomy-specific adaptations. The fibrous periodontal complex of the dentoalveolar joint is a well-integrated system of multiple tissues each with a unique level of intelligence, and with an evolutionary vantage encouraged by various environmental stimuli. These favorable or unfavorable stimuli can potentiate the complex toward health or disease. The resulting cellular and molecular responses are often initiated and are harbored at the interfaces that collectively can affect joint biomechanical function. In this presentation, the mechanosensory expression of cells within interfaces and adjacent tissues, and metabolic activity of tissues subjected to various stimuli including chewing, orthodontic forces, and hyperocclusion will be discussed. |