National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

What is the layer of cells that form enamel called?

1. Odontoblasts

2. Cemento blasts

3. Ameloblasts

4. Fibroblasts

The correct answer is: Ameloblasts

The layer of cells responsible for the formation of enamel is called ameloblasts. Ameloblasts are specialized epithelial cells that are involved in the process of enamel development during tooth formation. They are derived from the inner enamel epithelium and secrete enamel proteins, which subsequently mineralize to form the hard outer layer of the tooth. The importance of ameloblasts lies in their critical role in producing enamel, the most mineralized and hardest substance in the human body, which provides protection to the underlying dentin and pulp from caries and physical trauma. In contrast, odontoblasts are responsible for the formation of dentin, cemento blasts produce cementum which covers the roots of teeth, and fibroblasts are involved in the formation and maintenance of connective tissues. Understanding the specific roles of these cells is essential for appreciating the complex processes involved in tooth development and overall oral health.