INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

Cell death in the compressed periodontal ligament (PDL) area is termed hyalinization. Hyalinization of the PDL occurs when the blood supply to the periodontal ligament is compromised due to compression forces, leading to cell death and subsequent tissue breakdown. This process results in the formation of a hyaline-like, acellular, eosinophilic material in the PDL space.

Among the other options:

A. Necrosis of the PDL typically refers to cell death due to injury or infection, not specifically associated with compression in the PDL area.

C. Apoptosis of the PDL is a programmed cell death that is not typically associated with compression-related cell death in the PDL area.

D. Fibrosis of the PDL refers to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in the PDL, which is different from the process of cell death in the compressed PDL area.