Ameloblast
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201767380
2008-03-29T07:19:26Z
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'''Ameloblasts''' are [[Cell (biology)|cell]]s that deposit [[Tooth enamel|enamel]], the hard outer most layer that forms the chewing surface.
Ameloblasts are [[Cell (biology)|cell]]s which secrete the [[tooth enamel|enamel]] [[proteins]] [[enamelin]] and [[amelogenin]] which will later mineralize to form enamel on teeth, the strongest substance in the human body. Each Ameloblast is approximately 4 micrometers in diameter, 40 micrometers in length and has a hexagonal cross section. The secretory end of the ameloblast ends in a six sided pyramid like projection known as the Tomes' process. The angulation of the Tomes' process is significant in the orientation of enamel rods.
Ameloblasts are derived from oral [[epithelium]] tissue of [[ectoderm]]al origin. Their differentiation is a result of signaling from the [[Mesenchyme|ectomesenchymal]] cells of the [[dental papilla]]. The ameloblasts will only become fully functional after the first layer of dentine has been formed, as such dentine is a precursor to enamel.
Ameloblasts control ionic and organic compositions of enamel. They adjust their secretory and resorptive activities to maintain favorable conditions for biomineralization.
==See also==
*[[Ameloblastoma]]
*[[Ameloblastin]]
{{dentistry-stub}}
{{Cell-biology-stub}}
{{Embryology of head and neck}}
[[Category:Non-terminally differentiated (blast) cells]]
[[Category:Animal cells]]
[[Category:Human cells]]
[[es:Ameloblasto]]
[[hu:Ameloblaszt]]
[[it:Ameloblasto]]
[[ja:エナメル芽細胞]]
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[[sr:Адамантобласт]]