Definition

A type of cell found in the dental pulp that helps create the hard tissue of teeth called dentin.

Example

Odontoblasts are essential for the formation of dentin in developing teeth.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an odontoblast?

No, I haven't. What is it?

It's a type of cell that helps form the dentin in our teeth.

That's interesting! I never knew there were such specific cells in our mouths.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Odontoblast is formed from "odonto-" (from Greek "odous", meaning tooth) and "-blast" (from Greek "blastos", meaning germ or bud). The word refers to a cell that is responsible for the formation of tooth structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'odonto-' meaning tooth and '-blast' meaning a cell that forms something. This helps you remember that an odontoblast is a cell that forms teeth.

Visually Confused Words