Skip to main content
Log in

Electron microscopy of dental enamel: Analysis of crystal lattice images

  • Published:
Zeitschrift für Zellforschung und Mikroskopische Anatomie Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Thin sections of rat incisor enamel were studied with the electron microscope. Fringe patterns having repeat periods in the range 3.1–8.2 Å were seen in individual enamel crystals. These images were interpreted as representing the resolution of corresponding planes in the hydroxyapatite crystal lattice. The lattice spacings and interplanar angles were identified by comparing the observations with available data derived from X-ray diffraction analysis.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Amer. Soc. Testing Materials: X-ray powder diffraction file, card No. 9-432, Philadelphia 1967.

  • Carlström, D.: X-ray crystallographic studies on apatites and calcified structures. Acta radiol. (Stockh.), Suppl. 121 (1955).

  • Kelly, A., Groves, G. W.: Crystallography and crystal defects. London: Longman Group Ltd. 1970.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nylen, M. U., Omnell, K.-Å.: The relationship between the apatite crystals and the organic matrix of rat enamel. Abstract. Fifth Int. Congr. for Electron Microscopy. New York and London: Academic Press 1962.

    Google Scholar 

  • Selvig, K. A.: Periodic lattice images of hydroxyapatite crystals in human bone and dental hard tissues. Calcif. Tiss. Res. 6, 227–238 (1970).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Selvig, K. A.: The crystal structure of hydroxyapatite in dental enamel as seen with the electron microscope. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 41, 369–375 (1972)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Takuma, S.: Electron microscopy of the mineralization of human and rat enamel. Hard Tissue Research (S. Araya et al.), Tokyo: p. 227–249. Ishiyaku Press 1969.

    Google Scholar 

  • Takuma, S., Hirai, G.: On the nature of the minute striations within enamel crystallites. Abstract. Calcif. Tiss. Res. 2, Suppl. 15 (1968).

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Selvig, K.A. Electron microscopy of dental enamel: Analysis of crystal lattice images. Z. Zellforsch 137, 271–280 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307434

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307434

Key words

Navigation