Cemento-enamel junction- the junction between the enamel covering the crown of the tooth and the cementum covering its root. Often referred to as the CEJ.
Cementoblasts - cells of mesenchyme origin, induced by proteins from cells of ectodermal origin, to form a layer of cementum around the roots of teeth.
Cementum - a thin layer of bone-like material covering the roots of teeth and sometimes the enamel surface, containing both extrinsic and intrinsic fibres.
Central nervous system - the brain and spinal cord. The nerves which leave the spinal cord and brain comprise the peripheral nervous system.
Chemotaxis - the movement of cells in response to chemical messengers. The movement of neutrophils and macrophages into damaged tissues is brought about by signals released by damaged tissues, and bacterial products.. The term applies to the movement of any organism attracted by a specific chemical, which may be a suitable nutrient.
Cholinergice - cell receptors specific for the neurotransmitter acetyl choline. Cholinergic receptors are found at neuromuscular junctions of muscle fibres and at all the synaptic junctions of the parasympathetic nervous system. They are also found at the pre- ganglionic synapse of the sympathetic nervous system.
Chondroitin sulphate - the major glycosaminoglycan of cartilage , the other being keratan sulphate.
Chromosomes - structures in the nucleus of a cell which appear visible during cell division. Each chromosome (humans have 24) is a tightly coiled string of DNA wound round a protein.
Clearance - the removal by swallowing, of substance in the mouth. Clearance is dependent on the completeness of swallowing and the rate of flow of saliva.
Clones - a family of cells, or organisms, which are all identical to a single parent. They are produced by asexual reproduction. When a B lymphocytes has recognised a foreign antigen, it provides millions of identical daughter cells in order to produce the specific antibodies in large quantities.
Clotting - see blood clotting