Cementoblasts

Cementoblasts

Cementoblasts (pronunciation: /sɪˈmɛntəʊblæsts/) are specialized cells that are responsible for the formation of cementum, a hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth and helps to anchor them in the jawbone.

Etymology

The term "cementoblast" is derived from the Greek words "kementos" meaning "cement" and "blastos" meaning "germ" or "sprout". This reflects the role of these cells in producing cementum.

Function

Cementoblasts originate from the dental follicle, a sac-like structure that surrounds the developing tooth. Once the tooth has erupted, cementoblasts begin to secrete a mineralized matrix that forms the cementum. This process is known as cementogenesis.

Cementoblasts are similar to osteoblasts, the cells that form bone, in that they both produce a mineralized extracellular matrix. However, unlike osteoblasts, cementoblasts do not become trapped in the matrix they produce.

Related Terms

• Cementum: The hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth and helps to anchor them in the jawbone. It is produced by cementoblasts.
• Cementogenesis: The process by which cementum is formed.
• Dental Follicle: A sac-like structure that surrounds the developing tooth and gives rise to cementoblasts.
• Osteoblasts: Cells that form bone, similar in function to cementoblasts but with key differences.

This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.