Ameloblast 1457204 201767380 2008-03-29T07:19:26Z Franamax 5177550 add cat '''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]] [[pl:Ameloblast]] [[sr:Адамантобласт]]