National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

What type of attachments are found in the enamel-forming cells known as ameloblasts?

1. Hemidesmosome

2. Tight junctions

3. Desmosomes

4. Gap junctions

The correct answer is: Desmosomes

Ameloblasts, the enamel-forming cells, are characterized by specific attachments that facilitate their function in the development of enamel. Desmosomes are the type of junctions found between ameloblasts. Desmosomes are specialized structures that provide strong adhesion between adjacent cells, contributing to the structural integrity of the enamel during its development. This adhesion is crucial as ameloblasts must work closely together to deposit the enamel matrix and maintain the organization and thickness of the enamel layer. While hemidesmosomes, tight junctions, and gap junctions serve important roles in various tissues, they are not the primary attachment structures found in ameloblasts. Hemidesmosomes attach epithelial cells to the underlying basal membrane, tight junctions create seals between cells to prevent passage of materials, and gap junctions allow communication between cells, but none of these fulfill the specific functional need for strong intercellular adhesion in ameloblasts that desmosomes do. Understanding these cellular attachments helps clarify the complex process of enamel formation and the organization of enamel-producing cells.