What is the term for the substance that makes up the structure of a tooth?

The substance that primarily makes up the structure of a tooth is dentin. Dentin is a hard tissue that forms the bulk of the tooth beneath the outer layer of enamel and surrounds the pulp cavity. It is composed of a mineralized matrix that is similar to bone but is denser and contains microscopic tubules that accommodate nerve branches. This structure not only provides strength and support to the tooth but also plays a role in sensation, as it can transmit signals to the nerves in response to stimuli.

Enamel, while this is the outermost layer of the tooth and provides protection, is not considered the main structural component since it is primarily a protective layer and does not contribute to the tooth's internal structure. Cementum is the tissue that covers the roots of teeth and helps anchor them within the jawbone, thus also not being a major structural component of the tooth itself. The pulp cavity, on the other hand, is the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, but it is not a material that contributes to the structural integrity of the tooth like dentin does.