What is the name of the bone-like connective tissue covering the root and the neck of the tooth?

The correct answer is cementum, which is a specialized connective tissue that forms over the root and neck of a tooth. Cementum serves as a protective layer that helps anchor the tooth to the surrounding alveolar bone through the periodontal ligament. It is important for maintaining the stability of the tooth within the dental arch.

Cementum plays a crucial role in tooth health because it can regenerate in response to certain stimuli, such as injury or pressure, making it vital for maintaining the structural integrity of teeth. This unique property also assists in the repair of damaged areas on the root surface.

Other options like dentin, enamel, and pellicle refer to different components of the tooth structure. Dentin forms the main bulk of the tooth and lies beneath the enamel, while enamel is the hard outer layer that protects the tooth and provides its shape. The pellicle is a thin film that forms on the surface of the teeth after brushing but is not a structural part of the tooth itself. Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique function of cementum in dental anatomy and health.