Enamel Flashcards Preview

Oral Biology 1 > Enamel > Flashcards

Flashcards in Enamel Deck (10)
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1
Q

What are properties of enamel

A
Hardest tissue in the body
Resists abrasion
Brittle
Translucent
Transparency increases with mineralisation
Varies in thickness
2
Q

Which part of the tooth does enamel cover

A

The crown

3
Q

What produces enamel

A

Ameloblasts

4
Q

What is the basic unit of enamel

A

Rod (or prism)

5
Q

Where do enamel rods run

A

From the amelodentinal junction to the surface

6
Q

What do enamel rods contain

A

Hydroxyapatite crystallites

7
Q

How does the surface enamel compare to deeper enamel

A

Surface enamel is more mineralised and harder than deeper enamel

8
Q

What is the content of enamel

A

Hydroxyapatite - 95% weight (90% volume)
Water - 4% weight (5-10% volume)
Organic matter - 1% weight (1-2% volume)
Proteins - Amelogenins, enamelins, peptides, amino acids

9
Q

What are the different enamel surfaces

A

Smooth surface

Pits and fissures

10
Q

What ions can be substituted in hydroxyapatite crystal

A

Mg2+
(CO3)2-
F-