Final answer:
A tooth consists of a crown covered by enamel and a root covered by cementum, with dentin forming the main structure of both parts. The pulp cavity within contains vital tissues, and the entire tooth is supported by the gums or gingiva.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anatomy of a Tooth
The structure of a tooth includes both the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part above the gum line, and it is covered with enamel, the hardest material in the human body. Underneath the enamel is a layer of dentin, a bone-like tissue which makes up the primary mass of the tooth. The innermost part of the tooth contains the pulp cavity, which is filled with blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. The root of the tooth is covered by cementum, a hardened bone-like layer that, along with the periodontal ligament, helps anchor the tooth securely in the jawbone. Surrounding the teeth and the alveolar processes (sockets) of the maxilla and mandible are the gingiva or gums.
It's important to note that while enamel provides a strong protective covering for teeth, it can still be susceptible to tooth decay caused by mechanical and chemical erosion.