The Internal Structure of the Mammalian Tooth
- Enamel
It is the outermost and hardest layer of non-living tissue of the tooth made of calcium phosphate and carbonate.
Offer a hard surface to bite food.
Function:
Protect the inner tissues from mechanical damage and infection by pathogens.
- Dentine
It is the part just beneath the enamel.
It is made of living tissue relatively softer than the enamel.
It encloses the living tissues of the teeth.
It gives rise to the enamel.
- Pulp cavity
Has blood vessels which transport oxygen and nutrients to the living tissues of the tooth and remove metabolic waste products.
Also has nerve fibres which sense stimuli like; pain, heat or cold.
- Periodontal membrane
It’s a fibrous tissue which lies between the jawbone and the cement.
It covers the root and holds it firmly to the jawbone.
- Cement
It forms a lining on the surface between the root and the jawbone socket.
It holds the tooth firmly within the jawbone.