Which statement best describes the periodontal ligament's attachment?

• A. It attaches enamel to alveolar bone
• B. It attaches pulp to bone
• C. It attaches cementum to alveolar bone
• D. It attaches alveolar bone to enamel

Answer: (C)

The periodontal ligament functions as the connective tissue attachment between the tooth root and the jawbone. It anchors the tooth by connecting cementum on the root surface to the surrounding alveolar bone, with collagen fibers (Sharpey's fibers) extending into both tissues. This arrangement allows the tooth to be firmly held in its socket while still permitting a small amount of movement and distributing bite forces. Enamel sits on the crown and does not form part of this attachment, and the pulp is the inner tissue of the tooth, not a partner in the ligament’s connection. So the striking description is that the ligament attaches cementum to the alveolar bone.