AMELOBLAST Meaning and
Definition
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Ameloblast refers to a specialized epithelial cell found in the enamel organs of developing teeth. These cells are primarily responsible for the secretion and formation of enamel, which is the hard, mineralized outer layer that covers and protects the teeth.
Ameloblasts play a vital role in tooth development, as they are involved in the initial stages of enamel formation. They are derived from the innermost layer of the enamel organ, known as the inner enamel epithelium. As the tooth bud matures, ameloblasts differentiate and transition from a cuboidal shape to a columnar shape.
Throughout the process of enamel formation, ameloblasts undergo various stages, each with distinct functions. These include the pre-secretory, secretory, and maturation stages. In the pre-secretory stage, ameloblasts are responsible for the synthesis and secretion of enamel proteins, such as amelogenin. During the secretory stage, they secrete the enamel proteins into a matrix, which then mineralizes to form enamel. Finally, in the maturation stage, ameloblasts resorb any remaining organic material within the enamel and finalize the hardening process.
Once enamel formation is complete, ameloblasts undergo apoptosis, resulting in their disappearance from the tooth structure. As a result, mature teeth consist of enamel without any living cells within it.
The study and understanding of ameloblasts and their functions are crucial for dental researchers and professionals, as it helps elucidate the processes involved in enamel development and contributes to advancements in dental treatments and procedures.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AMELOBLAST
- zmeloblast
- smeloblast
- wmeloblast
- qmeloblast
- aneloblast
- akeloblast
- ajeloblast
- amwloblast
- amsloblast
- amdloblast
- amrloblast
- am4loblast
- am3loblast
- amekoblast
- amepoblast
- ameooblast
- ameliblast
- amelkblast
- amellblast
Etymology of AMELOBLAST
The word ameloblast is derived from two Greek words: amelos, which means enamel, and blastos, which means germ or bud. In dental anatomy, an ameloblast refers to a cell that is responsible for enamel formation. Thus, the term ameloblast literally means enamel germ or bud cell.
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