What is cementogenesis and which cells form cementum?

• A. The deposition of enamel on the crown by ameloblasts.
• B. The deposition of dentin on the root by odontoblasts.
• C. The deposition of cementum on the crown by cementoblasts.
• D. The deposition of cementum on the root surface by cementoblasts derived from the dental follicle.

Answer: (D)

Cementogenesis is the formation of cementum, the mineralized tissue that covers the tooth root and anchors the tooth in the socket. This process is carried out by cementoblasts that originate from the dental follicle; they secrete the organic matrix that becomes cementum on the root surface, and those cells can become embedded as cementocytes within the tissue. This root-surface deposition distinguishes it from enamel formed by ameloblasts on the crown and dentin formed by odontoblasts on the root. So the description best matches deposition of cementum on the root surface by cementoblasts derived from the dental follicle.