enamel epithelium

enamel epithelium,

n See epithelium, enamel.

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enamel

the white, compact and very hard substance covering and protecting the dentine of the crown of a tooth.

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enamel bulge

the area of greatest diameter of a tooth, just external to the gum line, which acts to deflect food from the free gingival margin and the gingival crevice.

enamel epithelium

epithelium which creates a bell-shaped enamel organ, surrounding the dental papilla; the internal epithelium consists of columnar ameloblasts which secrete enamel.

enamel hypoplasia

incomplete or partial development; a common defect in dogs.

inherited enamel defect

an inherited absence of enamel from all teeth combined with excessive flexibility of joints in Holstein-Friesian cattle. The teeth are pink and obviously deficient in substance. A defect in collagen formation is probable.

enamel layer

the outermost layer of cells of the enamel organ.

mottled enamel

dental fluorosis; defective enamel, with a chalky white appearance or brownish stain, caused by excessive amounts of fluorine in drinking water and food preparations during the period of enamel calcification.

enamel organ

an epithelial cap over a dental papilla that develops into the enamel-producing organ. The shape of the enamel organ determines the shape of the tooth.

enamel points

sharp projections of enamel at the junction of the buccal and occlusal surfaces of a tooth. Seen most commonly in horses.

enamel rods

progressively mineralized glycoproteinaceous tubules, the basic structural units of enamel; enamel is acellular and consists of interrod material and rods,

enamel spot

remnant of the enamel cup in the center of an incisor tooth table in a horse.

Enamel spot. By permission from Sack W, Wensing CJG, Dyce KM, Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy, Saunders, 2002

enamel works

factories manufacturing enamels or using them extensively; sources of fluorine for pollution of pasture and water.