Enamel rods intcrdigitate at each cusp tip to form a complex

known as gnarled enamel. This reduces the occlusal stress on enamel

con siderably, especially at the pronounced cusp tips of posterior
teeth. If enamel was not stacked as a spiraling lattice of rod direction
in these high-use areas, it would shatter with occlusal stress, lhe rods
also interlock in other areas of the crown, and this contributes to the
stiffness and hardness of enamel.