A microscopic investigation of enamel in wombat (Vombatus ursinus)

A study of the enamel of continuously growing Vombatus ursinus ) molars was carried out using the techniques of light microscopy, hardness testing, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. From the erupted end to within 8 mm of the growing end, mature enamel was observed and it was found that between comparable areas there were no significant ultrastructural differences in enamel; however, small ( similar to 12 nm diameter), loosely packed needle-like crystals characteristic of developing enamel were observed near the growing end.