Odontoblasts - Anatomy & Physiology

Introduction

Odontoblasts are cells in the enamel organ which forms the tooth. They secrete dentine.

Properties

Odontoblast Histology - Copywright RVC 2008

• Derived from mesenchyme

• Single layer of elongated columnar cells

• At dental-pulp border

• Secrete dentine which is a mineralised matrix of collagen I, dentine and proteins

• Outer layer of the dental papilla

• The first layer of dentine is formed on the enamel organ. As production increases, the odontoblasts are displaced from the enamel

• It is a major part of the tooth structure and is produced continually by the odontoblasts.

• Rate of dentine synthesis is increased during repair as it is innervated (but still acellular).