National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

Which cells are responsible for enamel production?

1. Osteoblasts

2. Ameloblasts

3. Fibroblasts

4. Cementoblasts

The correct answer is: Ameloblasts

Ameloblasts are the specialized cells responsible for the production of enamel, which is the hard, outermost layer of the teeth. During the development of the tooth, ameloblasts are derived from the ectoderm and play a crucial role in the formation of enamel by secreting enamel matrix proteins. This matrix eventually matures and mineralizes to form the dense and protective enamel structure. Enamel is unique because it is the hardest substance in the human body, and its formation is a vital part of dental development. Ameloblasts are active primarily during the tooth development stage, specifically during the secretory phase, where they secrete enamel proteins that lead to enamel formation. The other cell types listed, such as osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and cementoblasts, have distinct roles. Osteoblasts are involved in bone formation, fibroblasts are connective tissue cells that facilitate the formation of tissues, and cementoblasts are responsible for producing cementum, which covers the tooth root. Thus, ameloblasts are uniquely positioned as the only cells that directly produce enamel.