Schreger line

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Schreger lines are visual artifacts that are evident in the cross-section of ivory. It is commonly referred to as cross-hatchings, engine turnings, or stacked chevrons. Schreger lines can be divided into two categories. The easily seen lines which are closest to the cementum are the outer Schreger lines. The faintly discernable lines found around the tusk nerve or pulp cavities are the inner Schreger lines. The intersections of Schreger lines form angles. These Schreger angles appear in two forms: concave angles and convex angles. Concave angles have slightly concave sides and open to the medial (inner) area of the tusk. Convex angles have somewhat convex sides and open to the lateral (outer) area of the tusk. Outer Schreger angles, both concave and convex, are acute in extinct proboscidea and obtuse in extant proboscidea [1]

Schreger Lines in a Mammoth Ivory
Schreger Lines in a Mammoth Ivory

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ http://www.lab.fws.gov/Ivory/elephant.html