Vasodentine is a term used in dentistry to refer to the dentin that contains tubules with blood vessels. The spelling of "vasodentine" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. "Vaso-" is pronounced as "veɪzoʊ-" and refers to blood vessels, while "dentine" is pronounced as "dɛntin" and refers to the hard, calcified tissue that makes up teeth. Together, the word is pronounced as "veɪzoʊdɛntin" and represents the important role that blood vessels play in the formation and function of teeth.
Vasodentine is a noun that refers to a specialized type of dental tissue found in certain animals, particularly in the teeth of marine mammals such as whales and dolphins. It is characterized by its unique structure and composition, which allows for efficient heat dissipation and protection against dental infections.
Vasodentine is composed of a highly mineralized matrix, primarily consisting of dentin, but with the distinct feature of numerous tubules. These tubules are arranged in an intricate network throughout the tissue, and they contain blood vessels, nerve fibers, and other connective tissues. As a result, vasodentine is highly vascularized, meaning it has a rich blood supply, which contributes to its thermal regulation properties.
One significant function of vasodentine is its ability to control body temperature. As whales and dolphins are warm-blooded animals living in cold aquatic environments, the vasodentine in their teeth assists in heat exchange and helps maintain a constant body temperature. The blood flowing through the tubules functions as a heat exchange medium, enabling efficient cooling or warming of the body, depending on the environmental conditions.
Additionally, vasodentine also serves as a defense mechanism against dental diseases. The tubules facilitate the delivery of immune cells and antimicrobial substances to the tooth, aiding in preventing and combating infections that may arise from dental caries or other oral pathologies.
Overall, vasodentine is a highly specialized dental tissue found in marine mammals, with its unique structure designed for thermal regulation and dental protection.
Vascular dentine, dentine in which the primitive capillaries have remained uncalcified and so are wide enough to give passage to the formed elements of the blood.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
In anat., that modification of dentine in which capillary tubes of the primitive vascular pulp remain uncalcified and carry red blood into the substance of the tissue.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "vasodentine" is derived from two components: "vaso-" and "dentine".
1. "Vaso-" is a prefix that comes from the Latin word "vas", meaning vessel. In medical terminology, it usually refers to blood vessels or anything related to the circulatory system.
2. "Dentine" is a term used in dentistry that refers to the hard tissue that forms the majority of the tooth beneath the enamel. It comes from the Latin word "dens", meaning tooth.
Therefore, "vasodentine" can be understood as a combination of these two elements, suggesting the presence of blood vessels within the dentine of a tooth.