Odontoblasts - Anatomy & Physiology
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Overview
The odontoblasts are cells in the enamel organ which forms the tooth. They secrete dentine.
Properties
Odontoblasts are derived from mesenchyme and are composed of a single layer of elongated columnar cells. They are at the dental-pulp border. They secrete dentine which is a mineralised matrix of collagen I, dentine and proteins.
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. The rate of dentine synthesis is increased during repair as it is innervated (but still acellular).