Biomaterial Database

SEM and EDS analysis of calcospherites in human teeth. 1998

H Mishima, and Y Kozawa

Department of Anatomy, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Chiba, Japan. mishima@mascat.nihon-u.ac.jp

The present study was designed to characterize the morphology and composition of calcospherites in the coronal and root predentin of human permanent teeth by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Human incisors, premolars, and molars were used. The calcospherites in the coronal predentin were globular and 10-20 microm in diameter. The calcospherites in the root predentin were smaller and their shape was different. Polygonal calcospherites and stellate calcospherites were observed in the intermediate region of the root predentin. Calcospherites were rarely present in the apical region of the root predentin. Calcified matrix fibers were observed in the apical region of the root predentin. The Ca/P molar ratio in crown calcospherites (1.63 +/- 0.27) differed significantly from that in root calcospherites (1.46 +/- 0.28). Sulfur was detected from the cervical region to the root region, but not in the horn region. Odontoblast activity and the local environment of the predentin are thought to determine the shape, size, and composition of calcospherites.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008274	Magnesium	A metallic element that has the atomic symbol Mg, atomic number 12, and atomic weight 24.31. It is important for the activity of many enzymes, especially those involved in OXIDATIVE PHOSPHORYLATION.
D008855	Microscopy, Electron, Scanning	Microscopy in which the object is examined directly by an electron beam scanning the specimen point-by-point. The image is constructed by detecting the products of specimen interactions that are projected above the plane of the sample, such as backscattered electrons. Although SCANNING TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY also scans the specimen point by point with the electron beam, the image is constructed by detecting the electrons, or their interaction products that are transmitted through the sample plane, so that is a form of TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY.	Scanning Electron Microscopy,Electron Scanning Microscopy,Electron Microscopies, Scanning,Electron Microscopy, Scanning,Electron Scanning Microscopies,Microscopies, Electron Scanning,Microscopies, Scanning Electron,Microscopy, Electron Scanning,Microscopy, Scanning Electron,Scanning Electron Microscopies,Scanning Microscopies, Electron,Scanning Microscopy, Electron
D010758	Phosphorus	A non-metal element that has the atomic symbol P, atomic number 15, and atomic weight 31. It is an essential element that takes part in a broad variety of biochemical reactions.	Black Phosphorus,Phosphorus-31,Red Phosphorus,White Phosphorus,Yellow Phosphorus,Phosphorus 31,Phosphorus, Black,Phosphorus, Red,Phosphorus, White,Phosphorus, Yellow
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D003804	Dentin	The hard portion of the tooth surrounding the pulp, covered by enamel on the crown and cementum on the root, which is harder and denser than bone but softer than enamel, and is thus readily abraded when left unprotected. (From Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992)	Dentine,Dentines,Dentins
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013057	Spectrum Analysis	The measurement of the amplitude of the components of a complex waveform throughout the frequency range of the waveform. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 6th ed)	Spectroscopy,Analysis, Spectrum,Spectrometry
D014070	Tooth	One of a set of bone-like structures in the mouth used for biting and chewing.	Teeth
D014074	Tooth Calcification	The process whereby calcium salts are deposited in the dental enamel. The process is normal in the development of bones and teeth. (Boucher's Clinical Dental Terminology, 4th ed, p43)	Calcification, Tooth,Teeth Calcification,Calcification, Teeth,Calcifications, Teeth,Calcifications, Tooth,Teeth Calcifications,Tooth Calcifications
D014092	Tooth Root	The part of a tooth from the neck to the apex, embedded in the alveolar process and covered with cementum. A root may be single or divided into several branches, usually identified by their relative position, e.g., lingual root or buccal root. Single-rooted teeth include mandibular first and second premolars and the maxillary second premolar teeth. The maxillary first premolar has two roots in most cases. Maxillary molars have three roots. (Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p690)	Root, Tooth,Roots, Tooth,Tooth Roots