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, 15:41, 22 September 2008
{{toplink
|backcolour =BCED91
|linkpage =Alimentary - Anatomy & Physiology
|linktext =Alimentary System
|maplink = Alimentary (Concept Map)- Anatomy & Physiology
|pagetype =Anatomy
|sublink1=Oral Cavity - Teeth & Gingiva - Anatomy & Physiology#Anatomy of the Enamel Organ
|subtext1=ANATOMY OF THE ENAMEL ORGAN
}}
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==Introduction==
Ameloblasts are cells in the enamel organ which forms the tooth. They secrete [[Enamel - Anatomy & Physiology|enamel]].
==Properties==
[[Image:Ameloblast Histology.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Ameloblast Histology - Copywright RVC 2008]]
*Epithelial cells
*Lines the inner surface of the enamel organ
*Derived from epithelium
*Synthesises [[Enamel - Anatomy & Physiology|enamel]] which forms the [[Crown - Anatomy & Physiology|crown]] of each tooth
*Maintains connections with the newly synthesised [[Enamel - Anatomy & Physiology|enamel]] through cellular projections called Thomes' fibres
*[[Enamel - Anatomy & Physiology|Enamel]] is acellular so once the connection with the ameloblasts via the Thomes' fibres is lost (upon eruption), [[Enamel - Anatomy & Physiology|enamel]] matrix cannot be remodelled
*A single layer of very long columnar cells
*Hexagonal in cross section
*Elongated basally sited nuclei