DENTAL FOLLICLE Meaning and
Definition
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Dental follicle refers to a connective tissue structure that surrounds the developing tooth within the alveolar bone. It is an essential component of tooth development and plays a crucial role in supporting and guiding the formation of the tooth's root and associated structures. The dental follicle contains cells called odontogenic cells that are responsible for the formation of the periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone.
During tooth development, the dental follicle originates from the ectomesenchyme, a type of embryonic tissue. It begins to form around the enamel organ, which is the precursor to the tooth's enamel. As the dental follicle matures, it organizes into distinct layers: an outer fibrous layer and an inner cellular layer. The outer fibrous layer provides structural support and connects the developing tooth to the surrounding bone, while the inner cellular layer contains various types of cells involved in tooth development.
The dental follicle's primary function is to promote tooth eruption by resorbing the bone in its path and creating a pathway for the tooth to emerge into the oral cavity. Additionally, it also plays a role in the remodeling of alveolar bone, helping to maintain the proper alignment and positioning of the tooth. Furthermore, the dental follicle contributes to the formation and attachment of the periodontal ligament, which acts as a cushion between the tooth and the surrounding bone.
In summary, the dental follicle is a specialized connective tissue structure that plays a critical role in tooth development and eruption. It supports the formation of the tooth's root and associated structures, facilitates bone remodeling, and contributes to the establishment of a functional periodontium.
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The dental sac with its contents, the embryonic tooth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DENTAL FOLLICLE
- sental follicle
- xental follicle
- cental follicle
- fental follicle
- rental follicle
- eental follicle
- dwntal follicle
- dsntal follicle
- ddntal follicle
- drntal follicle
- d4ntal follicle
- d3ntal follicle
- debtal follicle
- demtal follicle
- dejtal follicle
- dehtal follicle
- denral follicle
- denfal follicle
- dengal follicle
- denyal follicle
Etymology of DENTAL FOLLICLE
The word "dental" originates from the Latin word "dentis", which means "tooth". It is also related to the Latin word "dens", meaning "tooth".
The term "follicle" comes from the Latin word "folliculus", which refers to a small bag or sack. It is derived from the Latin word "folium" which means "leaf". "Folliculus" was used to describe a small bag-like structure in plants, and it was later adopted in anatomy to refer to small sacs or pouches in the human body.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "dental follicle" is a combination of the Latin word for tooth, "dentis", and the Latin word for small bag or pouch, "folliculus". It refers to the specialized structure surrounding an unerupted tooth in the jawbone, which resembles a small sac or pouch.
