Enamel Flashcards
1
Q
What is the hardest tissue in the body?
A
- Enamel
2
Q
What are the regional variations of enamel? (2 points)
A
- Surface enamel is more mineralised and harder than deeper enamel
- Hardness decreases from cusp tip/incisal edge to cervical region
3
Q
What is enamel maturation?
A
- The process of changing from about 30% inorganic mineral in enamel matrix of the teeth to the 96% inorganic content in mature enamel.
- The maturation is accomplished by the ameloblast cells over a long period, with a decrease in water and organic content, and an increase in mineral content and size or density of hydroxyapatite crystals.
- The final stages of enamel maturation occur after the tooth has erupted into the oral cavity
4
Q
What is the basic unit of enamel?
A
- Rod/prism
5
Q
What are the dimensions of enamel rods?
A
- 5micrometers x 2.5mm
6
Q
Where do enamel rods run from?
A
- ADJ to the surface
7
Q
How many HA crystallites do enamel rods contain?
A
10^6
8
Q
Where are enamel rods perpendicular?
A
- When they are closest to the ADJ
9
Q
Where are enamel rods parallel?
A
- When nearest to the surface of the tooth, which helps keep the enamel from splitting and ensures that the surface of the tooth is smooth
10
Q
Why do long, parallel enamel rods have cross striations?
A
- Consequence of the growth of the rod -> daily growth is approx. 4 micrometres
11
Q
How far apart are brown transverse striae?
A
- 25-35 micrometres apart
12
Q
When are brown transverse striae formed?
A
- At weekly intervals
13
Q
How does enamel rod structure arise?
A
- From variations in orientation of crystallites
14
Q
Are ‘head’ and ‘tail’ regions of enamel rods composed of the same HA crystals?
A
- Yes
15
Q
What is the HA content in enamel?
A
- 95% weight
- 90% volume