odontoblast

[oh-don-tuh-blast]

noun

Anatomy.

1. one of a layer of cells lining the pulp cavity of a tooth, from which dentin is formed.

odontoblast

/ ɒˈdɒntəˌblæst /

noun

1. any of a layer of cells lining the pulp cavity of a tooth and giving rise to the dentine

Other Word Forms

• odontoblastic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of odontoblast¹

First recorded in 1875–80; odonto- + -blast

Example Sentences

The target is called TRPC5, and Prof Zimmermann's team at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany traced its location to a specific cell type - the odontoblast - that resides between the soft inner pulp and the hard outer layer of teeth composed of dentine, then enamel.

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