Amelogenesis & Enamel- Exam 1 Flashcards
Enamel is considered a ____ tissue
acellular tissue
Describe the collagen in the matrix in enamel
not present
The formation of enamel involves the secretory and resorptive activities of _____ derived cells
ectodermally
Compare the strength of enamel vs. dentin:
enamel is 5x harder than dentin
What is the hardest tissue in the body?
enamel
The core of enamel is comprised of:
hydroxyappetite crystals
The calcium hydroxyappetite crystals in enamel are highly oriented and packed into rod-like structures called:
enamel rods
Although 96% mineral, the basic rod structure of enamel exhibits some degree of:
flexibility
Describe the orientation of enamel rods:
parallel to the long axis
Describe the composition of enamel:
1% water, 3% organic components, 96% inorganic component
What comprises the inorganic component of enamel:
calcium hydroxyapatite
What is the main protein comprising the organic component of enamel?
tyrosine-rich amelogenin protein (TRAP)
What components make up TRAP?
Tuftelin, Sheathlin, Enamelin, and Amelogenin
Exhibits thixotropic properties (the ability to flow under pressure) and comprises most of TRAP:
amelogenin
Considered one of the largest of the TRAP proteins:
Enamelin