Enamel Flashcards
1
Q
What are properties of enamel
A
Hardest tissue in the body Resists abrasion Brittle Translucent Transparency increases with mineralisation Varies in thickness
2
Q
Which part of the tooth does enamel cover
A
The crown
3
Q
What produces enamel
A
Ameloblasts
4
Q
What is the basic unit of enamel
A
Rod (or prism)
5
Q
Where do enamel rods run
A
From the amelodentinal junction to the surface
6
Q
What do enamel rods contain
A
Hydroxyapatite crystallites
7
Q
How does the surface enamel compare to deeper enamel
A
Surface enamel is more mineralised and harder than deeper enamel
8
Q
What is the content of enamel
A
Hydroxyapatite - 95% weight (90% volume)
Water - 4% weight (5-10% volume)
Organic matter - 1% weight (1-2% volume)
Proteins - Amelogenins, enamelins, peptides, amino acids
9
Q
What are the different enamel surfaces
A
Smooth surface
Pits and fissures
10
Q
What ions can be substituted in hydroxyapatite crystal
A
Mg2+
(CO3)2-
F-
