Anatomy of teeth

Question 1

Crown

Answer 1

the visible portion of the tooth, above the line of the gums. It is composed of enamel superficially, with a layer of dentin deeper

Question 2

Neck

Answer 2

contricted section of the tooth where the crown meets the root. It lies right about at the gum line

Question 3

Root

Answer 3

The portion of the tooth embedded in the sockets of the alveoli of the maxilla and mandible

Question 4

Root Canal

Answer 4

An extension of the pulp cavity at the core of the root. It carries nerves, lymphatic, and blood vessels in and out of the tooth via the apical foramen

Question 5

Gingiva

Answer 5

the portion of the mucousal membrane of the oral cavity that covers the alveolar processes of the maxillae and mandible. They are exposed between the teeth and extend slightly down into each alveolar socket

Question 6

Apical foramen

Answer 6

an opening at the base of each root that allows passage of nerves, blood, and lymphatics from the teeth to the underlying bone

Question 7

periodontal ligament

Answer 7

an odd use of an anatomical term. the extensions of the gingiva downward into the sockets. So they line the alveolar sockets as dense fibrous C.T. anchoring the teeth to the bone of the socket wall, and absorbing some shock during chewing

Question 8

cementum

Answer 8

another bone-like structure. Deep to the periodontal ligament, lies between the periodontal ligament and the actual dentin of the root of the tooth

Question 9

aveolar processes of the maxillae and mandible

Answer 9

the extensions of the bones of the upper and lower jaw. between these extensions are the alveolar sockets in which the teeth anchor

Question 10

enamel

Answer 10

the hardest substance in the body, as the superficial covering of the crown. It’s made of about 95% calcium salts (sort of like limestone…)

Question 11

dentin

Answer 11

Maybe the second hardest substance in the body. It lies deep into the enamel but still acts as an incredibly dense and hard layer to protect the even deeper C.T. of the pulp cavity

Question 12

pulp cavity

Answer 12

the deepest part of the tooth. C.T. contains nerves to innervate the tooth, as well as lymphatics and blood vessels to nourish and drain the cavity

Question 13

deciduous teeth

Answer 13

“baby teeth.” they erupt from about 6 months of age, falling out between about 5 to 13 years old (excepting the wisdom teeth or 3rd molar). There are 20 total designated by letters

Question 14

permanent teeth

Answer 14

Secondary teeth erupting between 6 and adulthood. There are 32 total, designated by numbers