CAEMENTUM Meaning and
Definition
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Caementum is a term used in dentistry to refer to a specialized calcified tissue that surrounds the root of a tooth, commonly known as cementum. It is a hard, slightly yellowish substance that forms a layer covering the dentin of the tooth root, providing protection and attachment to the periodontal ligament.
The main function of caementum is to anchor the tooth firmly in the jawbone by connecting it to the surrounding alveolar bone through the periodontal ligament fibers. This structure helps to absorb and distribute forces that occur during biting and chewing, maintaining the stability and integrity of the tooth.
Caementum is unique in its composition, containing a mixture of inorganic substances, primarily hydroxyapatite crystals, as well as organic components such as collagen fibers. These constituents contribute to the strength and resilience of the caementum, allowing it to withstand the mechanical stresses exerted on the tooth.
Throughout a person's lifetime, caementum undergoes continuous remodeling, like other hard tissues in the body. However, compared to other dental tissues like enamel and dentin, caementum has a limited ability to repair itself. Consequently, damage or loss of caementum can lead to various dental issues such as root sensitivity, tooth mobility, and gum recession.
Overall, caementum plays a crucial role in maintaining dental health by providing support and attachment for the tooth within the oral cavity.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CAEMENTUM
- cememtum
- cenmentum
- ceementum
- camentum
- cemantum
- Cementam
- xaementum
- vaementum
- faementum
- daementum
- czementum
- cqementum
- cawmentum
- casmentum
- cadmentum
- carmentum
- ca4mentum
- ca3mentum
- caenentum
- caekentum
Etymology of CAEMENTUM
The word "caementum" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the verb "caedere" which means "to cut" or "to chop". In ancient Rome, "caementum" referred to a type of building material made from crushed stones or pebbles mixed with lime or clay. This mixture was chopped or cut to form blocks or bricks that were then used in construction. Over time, the word evolved to refer more specifically to the cement-like material used in Roman construction, and eventually became the origin of the modern word "cement".
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