Week 7 Amelogenesis

Question 1

What is amelogenesis?

Answer 1

The process of enamel formation during tooth development.

Amelogenesis involves the secretion of enamel matrix and its subsequent maturation.

Question 2

List the components of a normal developed tooth.

Answer 2

• Periodontal ligament
• Alveolar bone
• Gingival tissues
• Pulp
• Dentine
• Enamel

These components work together to support tooth structure and function.

Question 3

What are the stages in tooth development?

Answer 3

• Formation of Dental lamina
• Bud Stage
• Cap Stage
• Bell Stage
• Crown Formation
• Root Formation

Each stage represents a critical phase in the development of teeth.

Question 4

What are the final stages of odontogenesis?

Answer 4

Apposition and maturation, leading to the production of enamel, dentine, and cementum.

These stages are crucial for the overall formation of the tooth structure.

Question 5

What occurs during the apposition stage of amelogenesis?

Answer 5

The depositing of enamel matrix onto the disintegrating basement membrane.

This is the initial phase where enamel begins to form.

Question 6

What happens to the cells in the inner enamel epithelium during the bell stage?

Answer 6

They elongate and repolarize to align at the end furthest from the basement membrane, becoming pre-ameloblasts.

This transition is critical for the initiation of amelogenesis.

Question 7

What is Tomes’ process?

Answer 7

The tapered protrusion at the end of ameloblasts that aids in the formation of enamel structure.

This process contributes to the unique prismatic structure of enamel.

Question 8

What is the early composition of the enamel matrix?

Answer 8

• 65% water
• 20% organic matrix
• 15% inorganic

This composition changes as the enamel matures.

Question 9

What occurs when enamel reaches full thickness?

Answer 9

Apposition is complete, and the second phase of amelogenesis, maturation, begins.

This phase involves significant changes in the composition of the enamel.

Question 10

What is the mature enamel composition by weight?

Answer 10

• 96% inorganic
• 1% organic
• 3% water

Mature enamel is highly mineralized, which contributes to its strength.

Question 11

What is the role of reduced enamel epithelium (REE)?

Answer 11

It forms a firm attachment to enamel and is important for dentogingival junction formation.

REE helps protect the enamel from connective tissue differentiation.

Question 12

True or False: Ameloblasts can modify enamel even after maturation.

Answer 12

True.

Enamel can be modified, for example, with fluoride treatments.