Thomas C J, Van Wyk C W
Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa.
J Biol Buccale. 1987 Sep;15(3):171-4.
The core within the palatal rugae of humans contains elements which are believed to contribute to the maintenance of its shape. A cross-sectional study was represented by 23 specimens of human palatal mucosa aged 3 months to 80 years and stained for sulphated and non-sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAG), elastic tissue and collagen. Statistical correlations between core margin definition and age and elastic content were significant (p less than 0.005 and p less than 0.025). It was concluded that the main structural element of a ruga is not elastic tissue or collagen but GAG which by its hydrophilic nature causes the tissue to swell and contributes to the maintenance of the shape of a ruga throughout life.
