GINGIVAE
\d͡ʒˈɪŋɡɪvˌiː], \dʒˈɪŋɡɪvˌiː], \dʒ_ˈɪ_ŋ_ɡ_ɪ_v_ˌiː]\
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Because the teeth are, as it were, begotten in them. [?] The gums, Ula, Carnicula, (F.) Gencives. The portion of the mucous membrane of the mouth which covers the maxillary bones to the level of the alveolar arches. The gums are formed of a red tissue, more or less solid, and of a fibro-mucous nature, which adheres strongly to the necks of the teeth, and transmits, between the roots and their alveoli, a very thin expansion,-the alveolo-dental periosteum. The gums fix the teeth and contribute greatly to their solidity. In the aged, after the loss of the teeth, they become fibrous and very solid, and are inservient to mastication.
By Robley Dunglison