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{{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==
Odontoblasts are cells in the enamel organ which forms the tooth. They secrete [[Dentine - Anatomy & Physiology|dentine]].
==Properties==
[[Image:Odontoblast Histology.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Odontoblast Histology - Copywright RVC 2008]]
*Derived from mesenchyme
*Single layer of elongated columnar cells
*At dental-pulp border
*Secrete [[Dentine - Anatomy & Physiology|dentine]] which is a mineralised matrix of collagen I, [[Dentine - Anatomy & Physiology|dentine]] and proteins
*Outer layer of the dental papilla
*The first layer of [[Dentine - Anatomy & Physiology|dentine]] is formed on the enamel organ. As production increases, the odontoblasts are displaced from the [[Enamel - Anatomy & Physiology|enamel]]
*It is a major part of the tooth structure and is produced continually by the odontoblasts.
*Rate of [[Dentine - Anatomy & Physiology|dentine]] synthesis is increased during repair as it is innervated (but still acellular).