Ameloblasts
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Introduction
Ameloblasts are cells in the enamel organ which forms the tooth. They secrete enamel.
Properties
- Epithelial cells
- Lines the inner surface of the enamel organ
- Derived from epithelium
- Maintains connections with the newly synthesised enamel through cellular projections called Thomes' fibres
- Enamel is acellular so once the connection with the ameloblasts via the Thomes' fibres is lost (upon eruption), enamel matrix cannot be remodelled
- A single layer of very long columnar cells
- Hexagonal in cross section
- Elongated basally sited nuclei