The most common cell found in healthy periodontal ligament is:

 # The most common cell found in healthy periodontal ligament is:

A. Neutrophil

B. Fibroblast

C. Epithelial cell

D. Osteoblast

The correct answer is B. Fibroblast.

Connective tissue cells include fibroblasts, cementoblasts, and osteoblasts. Fibroblasts are the most common cells in the periodontal ligament; they appear as ovoid or elongated cells oriented along the principal fibers, and they exhibit pseudopodia-like processes. These cells synthesize collagen and possess the capacity to phagocytose “old” collagen fibers and degrade them via enzyme hydrolysis.

Thus, collagen turnover appears to be regulated by fibroblasts in a process of intracellular degradation of collagen that does not involve the action of collagenase.

Reference: Carranza's Clinical Periodontology, 12th Edition, Page no: 25

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