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Formation of the Epithelial Diaphragm
Cell proliferation continues at the inner margin of the epithelial diaphragm until root formation is completed. In this image, that area above the yellow line is formed root of the tooth (A). Note the presence of both dentin (B) and predentin (C). Below the yellow line, the outer and inner dental epithelium appear to fuse together, forming the epithelial diaphragm (D). Note that no stellate reticulum is present in this structure. At the periphery of the epithelial diaphragm, the outer dental epithelium (E) of the epithelial root sheath disintegrates leaving islands of epithelial cells (F) - epithelial rests (of Malassez) which lie free from the dentin. The epithelial diaphragm will now grow inward (like the closing up of the lens on a camcorder) toward the center of the root to initially define the apical foramen.
Legend
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A - root of tooth |
E - outer dental epithelium |
