Odontoblast
Definition
A specialised cell of neural crest origin that forms dentine. The cell body sits at the pulp-dentine junction while a long cellular process extends through the dentinal tubule. These processes contain nuclear DNA that can be extracted for forensic profiling even from aged or mummified teeth.
Related terms
- Cementum
- A thin, bone-like mineralised tissue that covers the external surface of the tooth root. Deposited incrementally throughout life in alternating translucent and...
- Cementum annuli
- Incremental growth layers in cementum, deposited at a rate of approximately one pair of translucent and opaque bands per year throughout adult...
- Dentine
- The mineralised tissue forming the bulk of the tooth, surrounding the pulp chamber and root canal. Contains a network of dentinal tubules,...
- Enamel
- The outermost layer of the tooth crown, formed by ameloblasts before tooth eruption. Composed of approximately 96% hydroxyapatite mineral by weight. Acellular...
- Stable isotope analysis
- A technique that measures the ratio of stable (non-radioactive) isotopes of elements such as strontium, oxygen, and carbon in a biological sample....
Explained in
- Dental Tissue and Its Forensic ApplicationsA specialised cell of neural crest origin that forms dentine. The cell body sits at the pulp-dentine junction while a long cellular process extends through the...