noun
- Specialized cells that secrete enamel during tooth development; the cells responsible for forming the hard outer layer of teeth.
Usage: technical; dentistry; plural form of ameloblast
Examples
- Ameloblasts are active during the secretory phase of enamel formation.
- The ameloblasts gradually retreat as the enamel layer thickens.
- Damage to ameloblasts during tooth development can result in enamel defects.
- Ameloblasts disappear after enamel maturation is complete.
- Researchers study ameloblasts to understand how dental enamel forms.