What are the epithelial cells found in the periodontal membrane known as?

The epithelial cells found in the periodontal membrane are known as epithelial rests of Malassez. These are remnants of the dental lamina, which is involved in the development of teeth. After tooth development, some of these epithelial cells persist in the periodontal ligament as clusters, known specifically as epithelial rests of Malassez.

These cells play a role in maintaining the health of the periodontal tissues and are thought to be involved in the regeneration of the periodontal ligament as well as in tissue repair processes. Their presence is significant in the context of periodontal health and disease. Understanding the function and location of these cells is important for dental professionals when considering the biology of the periodontal environment and its healing mechanisms.

Other options, while they may refer to different types of cells found in the body or oral cavity, do not pertain specifically to the cells within the periodontal membrane. Stratified squamous cells are a type of epithelium found in various tissues, granulocytes are a type of white blood cell, and keratinocytes are the primary cell type found in the outer layer of skin. None of these specifically describes the unique population of cells in the periodontal membrane.