Final answer:
The periodontal ligament is the fibrous connective tissue that suspends a tooth in its socket. Scurvy, a disease that affects collagen production, can weaken these ligaments and potentially lead to tooth loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fibrous connective tissue that suspends a tooth in its socket is known as the periodontal ligament. This is a specialized structure that binds the roots of the teeth firmly to the jawbones. In the case of scurvy, which is a disease that inhibits collagen production, the strength and health of the periodontal ligaments are affected, leading to potential tooth loss as they cannot perform their anchoring function correctly. This happens because collagen is a crucial component of the periodontal ligaments, and without adequate production, these structures weaken.