Which one of the following terms is used to describe the specialised oral soft tissue that is directly attached to a tooth?

The term used to describe the specialized oral soft tissue that is directly attached to a tooth is junctional epithelium. This structure forms a crucial interface between the tooth and the surrounding soft tissue of the gum. It is a type of epithelium that attaches to the tooth surface at the cemento-enamel junction and forms a seal around the tooth, which is important for maintaining periodontal health by preventing pathogenic microorganisms from entering the connective tissues and promoting healing.

Attached gingiva, while also related to the health of the periodontal tissues, refers to the portion of the gingiva that is tightly bound to the underlying alveolar bone and is not specifically focused on the attachment to the tooth itself. Marginal gingiva is part of the gingival tissue that follows the contour of the cervical third of the teeth and is not directly anchored to the tooth surface. The dentinocemental junction is a specific anatomical site between the dentin and cementum of a tooth and does not relate to the attachment of soft tissue.

In summary, the junctional epithelium is a vital component of periodontal health, serving as the direct attachment to the tooth and playing a key role in the body's defense system within the oral cavity.