Electron microscopic investigation relating the occlusal morphology to the underlying enamel structure of molar teeth of the wombat ( Vombatus ursinus )

This investigation relates the occlusal morphology of the continuously growing molars of common wombats ( Vombatus ursinus ) to the underlying enamel ultrastructure that was investigated using the techniques of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The main feature of the occlusal enamel was a prominent ridge, which followed the contour of the dentine‐enamel junction (DEJ). It was found that the occlusal morphology depended upon the orientation of the dentinal and enamel tissues, variations in prism orientation, Hunter‐Schreger bands (HSB), and presence or absence of cleavage. Cleavage of enamel promoted by sheets of parallel prisms occurred along the face between the DEJ and the ridge, whereas on the face between the ridge and the cementum‐enamel junction (CEJ) cleavage was inhibited by HSB. The slope of the latter face was mainly due to a decrease in wear resistance going from the ridge, where prisms were intercepted transversely, toward the CEJ, where they were intercepted obliquely. Occasionally small surface undulations were observed on the face between the ridge and the CEJ. These undulations were found to correspond to gradually decussating enamel regions. The pronounced cleavage of enamel parallel to the face between the DEJ and the ridge played an important role in conferring on the continuously growing molars a distinct property to develop and maintain a self‐sharpening ridge throughout the life of the tooth.