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The Dental Papilla
The dental papilla of a developing tooth is composed primarily of mesenchymal cells (A), some fibroblasts (B) and macrophages. The first two cell types exhibit a stellate morphology and become reduced in number as the dental papilla transforms into pulp. Capillaries and nerves have invaded the dental papilla at this point of development. Nerves are not evident but a capillary (C) lies in the far right of the field. Only collagen and reticular fibers are present in the pulp.
Legend
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A - mesenchymal cell |
C - capillary |
