HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the most highly mineralized tissue in the body?

1. Bone

2. Enamel

3. Dentin

4. Cementum

The correct answer is: Enamel

Enamel is recognized as the most highly mineralized tissue in the human body, consisting of approximately 95% mineral content, predominantly hydroxyapatite, which is a crystalline calcium phosphate. This high mineral content gives enamel its exceptional hardness and resilience, allowing it to withstand the pressures of chewing and biting, as well as providing protection to the underlying dentin and pulp. In contrast, while bone is also a highly mineralized tissue, it contains about 60-70% minerals, which is significantly less than enamel. Dentin, which makes up the bulk of the tooth, is less mineralized than enamel as well, containing around 70% minerals. Cementum, which covers the roots of teeth, is the least mineralized among these tissues, with a mineral content of about 45-50%. Thus, the unique composition of enamel, with its superior mineralization, accounts for its designation as the hardest tissue in the body.