Amelogenesis- EXAM I Flashcards
Enamel is considered a ____ tissue
Acellular
Describe the collagen in the matrix of enamel:
No collagen
Formation of enamel involves the secretory & resorptive activities of ____ derived cells
Ectodermally
Compare the strength of enamel vs. dentin
Enamel is 5x harder
What is the hardest tissue in the body?
Enamel
The core of enamel is composed of:
Hydroxyapatite crystals
The Ca hydroxyapatite crystals in enamel are highly oriented & packed into rod-like structures called the ____
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 compounds
96% inorganic components
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
Ameloginin
Exhibits thixotropic properties (the ability to flow under pressure) & comprises most of TRAP
Amelogenin
Considered one of the largest of the TRAP proteins:
Enamelin