A renowned dentist Howard Ferran opined that "Tusks are elongated, continuously growing front teeth, usually but not always in pairs, that protrude well beyond the mouth of certain mammal species. They are most commonly canine teeth, as with warthogs, pigs, and walruses, or, in the case of elephants, elongated incisors". What is your view on this issue?
Hello Mustapha;
The embryology of all of the structures you mention clearly demonstrate that they are homologous to teeth. The adult function of the structure is not part of the developmental characterization. For instance, the food processing structures in the mouths of many turtles are made of keratin, like your fingernails, so they are not homologous to teeth but are analogous to them. That is, their embryological origins are different but their functions are similar.
It's all only a matter of determining how the structure develops and noticing how it functions.
Best regards, Jim des Lauriers
Why are you asking it? Do you have some new data?
It is well known (from at least 19th century) - tasks ARE teeth. The same dentin, pulp, etc.
Article Structure and innervation of the tusk pulp in the African el...
Hi Mustapha,
Teeth of animals including mammals are meant for food mastication. However, in some animals like rats, the incisor teeth when extend life-long become gnawing teeth helping them in cutting grass or vegetation. In others like hogs, walruses, and elephants, the teeth extends helping in offence and defence.
Rakesh Prasad Bhagat
To my knowledge, elephant tusks are solid dentin with the tubules oriented longitudinally. Cut into elephant ivory and a human tooth; they both feel and smell the same. The main difference is the absence of enamel on the surface of a tusk.
Although am not an expert in the field, since they are made of same structure as the teeth, they can be considered its extension
Interesting Question Dear M Umar. Unfortunately, Comparative Anatomy is a Subject which has never Existed/ untaught in our Dental Curriculum and i think its important to teach. To my humble understanding, Tusks is a Tooth genetically programmed to Grow and attain its huge shape/ size to perform all associated Functions.
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