Tooth ‒ Section

The **teeth** are anchored in the alveolar processes (sockets) of the maxilla and mandible. Gingivae, commonly known as gums, are soft tissues lining the alveolar processes and surround the necks of teeth. Teeth are also held in their sockets by a connective tissue called the periodontal ligament. Each tooth has two main parts: the crown, which projects above the gum line, and the root, which is embedded within the maxilla and mandible. Both parts contain an inner pulp cavity filled with loose connective tissue through which nerves and blood vessels pass. The region of the pulp cavity that runs through the root of the tooth is known as the root canal. Surrounding the pulp cavity is dentin, a bone-like tissue. In the root of each tooth, the dentin is covered by a harder, bone-like layer called cementum. In the crown, the dentin is coated by an outer layer of enamel, the hardest substance in the body. *LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS CC licensed content, Shared previously, 23.3 The Mouth, Pharynx, and Esophagus, Authored by: OpenStax College. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/FPtK1zmh@7.30:HZpu8mRK@4/The-Mouth-Pharynx-and-Esophagu* ## Keywords section of tooth enamel crown neck root dentine pulp cement