Exam 1 Flashcards
(335 cards)
No ameloblasts = no ______
enamel
There are X # of crystals per ameloblast
one
Since ameloblasts are lost after eruption enamel … 1) 2)
1) has to be the hardest tissue
2) can not regenerate
What %organic and %inorganic component is enamel
organic= 4% Inorganic= 96% (mineral)
enamel can not be regenerated but it can be ___ (to a certain extent
remineralized
Between dentin and enamel, which material can be repaired?
Dentin. Enamel can NOT be repaired.
What are the inorganic components that make up enamel?
- crystalline calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite) subsatued with carbonate
- ions such as strontium, Mg, Pb, fluoride
What structure helps maintain hard brittle enamel?
a resilient underlying dentin
What will likely happen to enamel if underlying dentin is lost?
Will easily fracture, its hard but very brittle
What color is enamel
translucent, light yellow to gray-white
What are the various thickness of enamel?
max 2.5mm(working surfaces) to a thin featheredge on cervicle line
how does enamel differ from other hard tissues? 8 things
1) there is no pre-enamel (unlike dentin, bone, cementum)
2) crystals grow against the secretory surface of ameloblasts
3) enamel proteins do not play any major structuring function
4) enamel is already 30% mineralized when its being layed down
5) elasticity
6) color
7) no matrix vessicles
8) enamel lacks mineral modulating molecules (promoters and inhibitors)
What are the fundamental similarities between enamel and other hard tissues?
1) composed of hydroxyapatite crystals
crystalline calcium phosphate substituted with carbonic ions
Enamel crystals are organized into 2 units called ____.
Rods and interrods
Crystals are ____ shape in cross-section and run in a _____ direction along rods.
1) hexagonal
2) longitudinally
In regards to rod organization, name 2 characteristics regarding geometry and shape.
1) not a regular geometry
2) cylindrical
How does interrod enamel compare to rod?
Interrods have the same crystal morphology, but a different orientation.
What is found in the interface between rod and interrod enamel?
an organic sheath
Rods and interrods are closely packed and long ribbon-like carbanoatoaptite crystals measuring what width and thickness?
width: 60-70nm
thickness: 25-30nm
How does the structure of enamel change as it matures?
1) crystals become thicker
2) crystals have a different orientation
3) become more hexagonal
4) linear pattern can be seen in older crystals due to reflection of crystalline lattice (artifact)
What is the zone of confluence?
areas that crystals from interrod enamel enters the rod.
young enamel is a _____ texture compared to mature enamel
younger enamel is a uniform texture, has no rod sheaths
What are two steps that occur during mineralization?
1) crystals grow wider and thicker
2) phenotypic changes occur in ameloblasts
What are the phenotypic changes of ameloblasts
1) presecretory ( morphogenetic & histodifferentiation)
2) secretory
3) maturation