Key Terms
When learning about oral histology, it is essential to first look at the terminology to ensure that you understand everything clearly.
Term |
Definition |
| Acellular (Primary) Cementum | Is formed outward from the CEJ and covers the whole root |
| Alveolar Crest | Highest point of the alveolar ridge |
| Alveolar Socket | Cavity within the alveolar process that surrounds the root of the tooth |
| Anatomical Crown | Portion of the tooth that is covered with enamel |
| Apex | Tapered end of each root tip |
| Apical Foramen | Natural opening in the root |
| Cementum | Specialized, calcified connective tissue that covers the anatomic root of a tooth |
| Cellular or Secondary Cementum | Present on the apical third of the root and produces cementum throughout life |
| Cementum | Specialized, calcified connective tissue that covers the anatomic root of a tooth |
| Cementoenamel Junction (CEJ) | The external line at the neck or cervix of the tooth where the enamel of the crown and the cementum of the root meet |
| Clinical Crown | The portion of the tooth that is visible in the oral cavity |
| Coronal | Structures associated with the tooth’s crown |
| Coronal Pulp | Part that lies within the crown portion of the tooth |
| Cortical Plate | Dense outer covering of spongy bone that makes up the central part of the alveolar process |
| Cribriform Plate | Cortical bone lines the alveolar socket |
| Dentin | Hard portion of the root that surrounds the pulp and is covered by enamel on the crown and by cementum on the root |
| Dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) | Is the boundary between the enamel and the underlying dentin that form the solid architecture of a tooth. |
| Dentinal Tubules | Microscopic canals found in dentin |
| Enamel Lamellae | Thin, leaflike structures that extend from the enamel surface toward the DEJ and consist of organic material with very little mineral content |
| Enamel Organ | Part of a developing tooth destined to produce enamel |
| Enamel Prisms (or Rods) | Very small key-shaped structures that extend from the dentin to the surface of the enamel |
| Enamel Spindles | The ends of odontoblasts that extend across the DEJ a short distance into the enamel |
| Enamel Tufts | The hypocalcified or uncalcified ends of groups of enamel prisms that start at the detinoenamel junction and may extend to the inner third of the enamel |
| Fibroblast | Type of cell in connective tissue responsible for the formation of the intercellular substance of pulp |
| Histology | Study of the structure and function of body tissues on a microscopic level |
| Hydroxyapatite | Mineral compound that is the principal inorganic component of bone and teeth |
| Hypercementosis | An overproduction of cementum at the tooth’s apex |
| Lines of Retzius | Incremental rings, similar to the growth rings on a tree that represent variations in the deposition of the enamel matrix during the formation of the tooth |
| Lining Mucosa | Mucous membrane that covers the inside of the cheeks, vestibule, lips, soft palate, and underside of the tongue and acts as a cushion for underlying structures |
| Mandibular | Arch the lower jaw |
| Masticatory Mucosa | Oral mucosa that covers the hard palate, dorsum of the tongue, and gingiva |
| Modeling Bone | Changes that involve deposition and resorption of bone and occur along articulations as they increase in size and shape to keep up with the growth of surrounding tissues; also known as displacement |
| Neonatal line | A very pronounced line of Retzius represents the shock of birth to the enamel production process |
| Periodontium | Structures that surround, support, and are attached to the teeth |
| Primary Cementum | Cementum that covers the root of the tooth and is formed outward from the cementodentinal junction for the full length of the root |
| Primary Dentin | Dentin that forms before eruption and that makes up the bulk of the tooth |
| Prism | A calcified column or rod |
| Pulp | Chamber the space occupied by pulp |
| Radicular | Having to do with the tooth root |
| Radicular Pulp | The other portion of pulp known as root pulp |
| Remodeling | Growth and change in shape of existing bone that involves deposition and resorption of bone |
| Resorption | The body’s processes of eliminating existing bone or hard tissue structure |
| Secondary Cementum | Cementum that is formed on the apical half of the root; also known as cellular cementum |
| Secondary Dentin | Dentin that forms after eruption and continues at a very slow rate throughout the life of the tooth |
| Sharpey’s Fibers | Tissues that anchor the periosteum to the bone |
| Specialized Mucosa | Mucous membrane on the tongue in the form of lingual papillae, which are structures associated with sensations of taste |
| Stratified Squamous Epithelium | Layers of flat, formed epithelium |
| Striae of Retzius | Incremental rings that represent variations in deposition of the enamel matrix during tooth formation |
| Tertiary Dentin | Dentin that forms in response to irritation and appears as a localized deposit on the wall of the pulp chamber, so-called reparative dentin |
