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Enamel Tufts

Dentin (A) lies to the left in this field and enamel (B) to the right. In addition to several enamel spindles (C), note the dark grass tuft-like structures arising at the
D-E junction (D) that pass up into the enamel - hence their name - enamel tufts (E). Note that they do not extend very far into the enamel layer, about 1/5 to 1/3rd of its thickness. Enamel tufts are hypo-mineralized enamel rods, and as such, run ribbon-like in line with the longitudinal axis of the tooth. In contrast to enamel spindles, enamel tufts follow the direction of the enamel rods.


Legend

A - dentin
B - enamel
C - enamel spindles
D - D-E junction

E - enamel tufts
F - interglobular dentin
G - mantle dentin

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