When learning about oral embryology, it is essential to first look at the terminology to ensure that you understand everything clearly.
Term |
Definition |
| Ameloblasts | Cells that form enamel |
| Anodontia | Absence of single or multiple teeth |
| Cementoblasts | Cells that form cementum |
| Cementoclasts | Cells that resorb cementum |
| Cementoenamel Junction | Area where enamel ends and the cementum begins |
| Conception | Union of the male sperm and the female ovum |
| Dental Lamina | Thickened band of oral epithelium that follows the curve of developing arch |
| Dental Papilla | Gingiva between teeth |
| Dental Sac | Connective tissue that envelopes the developing tooth |
| Deposition | The process by which the body adds new bone |
| Ectoderm | The outer layer of the three primary embryonic layers |
| Embryo | An organism in the earliest stages of development |
| Embryology | The study of prenatal development, from conception to birth |
| Embryonic Period | Stage of human development that occurs from the beginning of the second week to the end of the eighth week |
| Enamel Lamellae | Thin, leaflike structures that extend from the enamel surface toward the dentinoenamel junction and consist of organic material with little mineral content |
| Enamel Organ | Part of a developing tooth destined to produce enamel |
| Enamel Spindles | The ends of odontoblasts (dentin-forming cells) that extend across the dentinoenamel junction a short distance into the enamel |
| Enamel Tufts | The hypocalcified or uncalcified ends of groups of enamel prisms that start at the dentinoenamel junction and may extend to the inner third of the enamel |
| Endoderm | The inner layer of the three primary embryonic layers |
| Exfoliation | The normal process of shedding the primary teeth |
| Fetal Period | Stage of human development that starts at the beginning of the ninth week and ends at birth |
| Fetus | An embryonic human from two months after conception to birth |
| Gestation | Stage of human development that starts at fertilization and ends at birth |
| Hyoid Arch | The second branchial arch, which forms the styloid process, stapes of the ear, stylohyoid ligament, and part of the hyoid bone |
| Meiosis | Reproductive cell production that ensures the correct number of chromosomes |
| Mesiodens | A third maxillary central incisor can erupt in the midline |
| Mesoderm | The middle layer of the three primary embryonic layers |
| Odontoblast | Cells that produce dentin |
| Odontoblastic Process | A projection left by the odontoblast cells within the dental matrix |
| Odontoclast | Cells that are responsible for reabsorbing the roots of primary teeth in preparation for exfoliation |
| Odontogenesis | Formation of new teeth |
| Osteoblasts | Cells that form bone |
| Osteoclasts | Cells that resorb bone |
| Oral Epithelium | Two horseshoe-shaped bands that will become the dental arches |
| Philtrum | Rectangular area from under the nose to the midline of the upper lip |
| Placodes | The earliest signs of sense organs, arise on the frontonasal process of the embryo |
| Preimplantation Period | Stage of development that occurs during the first week after fertilization |
| Prenatal | Development stage of human development that starts at pregnancy and ends at birth |
| Primary Palate | The shelf that separates the oral and nasal cavities |
| Secondary Palate | The final palate formed during embryonic development |
| Stomodeum | The primitive mouth |
| Succedaneous Tooth | Permanent teeth that replace primary teeth |
| Supernumerary Tooth | Development of one or more extra teeth |
| Tooth Buds | Enlargements produced by the formation of dental lamina |
| Zygote | Fertilized egg |
