periodontal ligament n PERIODONTAL MEMBRANE
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the fibrous connective tissue that surrounds the root of a tooth, separating it from and attaching it to the alveolar bone. It extends from the base of the gingival mucosa to the fundus of the bony socket, and its main function is to hold the tooth in its socket. In official terminology, it may be called periodontium [TA]. Called also alveolodental l. or membrane, peridental or periodontal membrane.
Periodontal ligament (L) between the cementum (C) and the bony alveolus (A) in a light micrograph of a tooth socket.
Medical dictionary. 2011.