Name the hardest material present in the body?

Question

Name the hardest material present in the body?

1. A. Dentin
2. B. Bone-marrow
3. C. Enamel (Correct answer)
4. D. Femur

Correct Answer

Option C — Enamel

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Enamel.

Key Points

• Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body (hardness ~5 on Mohs scale).
• It covers the crown of the teeth and protects them from wear and decay.

Additional Information

• Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, being about 96% mineral — mainly hydroxyapatite, a calcium phosphate.
• Unlike bone it contains no living cells, so it cannot repair itself once eroded; that is why cavities need filling.
• Beneath it lies dentine, then the pulp with nerves and blood vessels; the root is covered by cementum.
• Enamel is dissolved by acid, which is how the bacteria in dental plaque cause decay.