cross section of a molar [2]![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Teeth are formed of two main parts: the crown (the visible protruding part) and one or several roots (the part inserted into the maxilla).
enamel ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Highly mineralized tissue covering and protecting the dentin of the crown; it is the hardest tissue in the organism.
crown ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Part of the tooth covered with enamel and protruding outside the gum.
neck ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Narrow part of the tooth surrounded by the gum separating the crown from the root.
cementum ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Hard mineralized tissue comparable to bone covering and protecting the dentin of the root.
root ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Part of the tooth covered with cementum, and implanted into the dental alveolus of the maxilla; certain teeth, such as the molars, have several roots.
alveolar bone ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Section of the maxilla bone surrounding the dental alveola; its presence depends on the presence of teeth: it forms and disappears when they do.
plexus of nerves ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Grouping of blood vessels and nerves that enters the pulp through the apical foramen to nourish the tooth.
apex ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Terminal part of the dental root whose opening (apical foramen) allows blood vessels and nerves to pass through.
maxillary bone ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Jawbone into which the teeth are inserted.
gum ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Thick section of the mucous membrane of the mouth that is rich in blood vessels and nerves; it covers the edge of the dental alveolus and adheres to the neck.
pulp chamber ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Central chamber of the crown enclosing the dental pulp and extending through the root canal.
root canal ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Extension of the pulp chamber containing the dental pulp and opening at the apex of the root.
dental alveolus ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Bony maxillary cavity in which the root of the tooth is implanted.
apical foramen ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Narrow orifice located at the terminal part of the apex allowing blood vessels and nerves to pass into the tooth.
periodontal ligament ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Fibrous connective tissue joining the cementum to the bone, thus fixing the tooth into its alveolus.
pulp ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Soft conjunctive tissue that is rich in blood vessels and nerves; the pulp gives the tooth its sensitivity and plays an essential nutritional role.
dentin ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Hard mineralized tissue forming the teeth; it surrounds the dental pulp and is protected by the enamel and cementum.