The Anatomy of a Tooth
cross-section of the human teethThis illustration shows the anatomy of a tooth and gums as well as the supporting structures that surround a tooth.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS:
Blood vesselscarry nutrients to the tooth.
Bonealveolar bone - forms the tooth socket and provides it with support.
Cementumthe - layer of hard bone-like tissue covering the root of the tooth.
Cemento - enamel junctionthe line where the enamel and cementum meet.
Dentinthe - hard yellow tissue underlying the enamel and cementum, making up the main bulk of the tooth.
Enamelthe - hard, white outer layer of the tooth.
Gingivathe - gum tissue surrounding the tooth.
Ligamentthe - connective tissue that surrounds the tooth and connects it to bone.
Nervesrelay - signals such as pain to and from your brain.
Pulplocated - in the center of the tooth, it contains the arteries, veins and nerves.Root canalcanal in the root of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels travel through.