Dentistry Embryology and Histology

Alveolar crest

Highest point of the alveolar ridge

Alveolar socket

Cavity within the alveolar process that surrounds the root of a tooth

Ameloblasts

Cells that form enamel

Anatomical crown

Portion of the tooth that is covered with enamel

Apex

Tapered end of each root tip

Apical foramen

Natural opening in the root

Cementoblasts

Cells that form cementum

Cementoclasts

Cells that resorb cementum

Cementum

Specialized, calcified connective tissue that covers the anatomic root of a tooth.

Clinical crown

That portion of the tooth that is visible in the oral cavity

Dental papilla

Gingivae between the teeth

Dental sac

Connective tissue that envelops the developing tooth

Dentin

Hard portion of the root that surrounds the pulp and is covered by enamel on the crown and by cementum on the root

Dentinal fiber

Fibers found in dentinal tubules

Dentinal tubules

Microscopic canals found in dentin

Deposition

The process by which the body adds new bone

Embryo

An organism in the earliest stages of development

Embryology

The study of prenatal development

Embryonic period

Stage of human development that occurs from the beginning of the second week to the end of the eighth week

Enamel tufts

The hypocalcified or uncalcified ends of groups of enamel prisms that start at the detinoenamel junction and may extend to the inner third of the enamel

Exfoliation

The normal process of shedding the primary teeth

Fetal period

Stage of human development that starts at the beginning of the ninth week and ends at birth

Fibroblast

Type of cell in connective tissue responsible for the formation of the intercellular substance of pulp

Gestation

Stage of human development that starts at fertilization and ends at birth

Histology

The study of the structure and function of body tissues on a microscopic level

Hydroxyapatite

Mineral compound that is the principal inorganic component of bone and teeth