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Dentin Secretion
Identify the following structures in this high power image of the peripheral region of the pulp: pulp (A), odontoblasts (B), the light pink predentin (C), the darker pink dentin (D), and enamel (E). Note that the odontoblasts (B) vary in height and appear to be pseudo-stratified. Columnar-shaped odontoblasts are actively secreting predentin (C), an organic matrix. The deposition of minerals in this organic matrix converts predentin to dentin. The odontoblasts move away from the enamel as the predentin is deposited but they leave a cytoplasmic (odontoblastic) process within a tunnel of mineralizing dentin - the dentinal tubule (F).
Legend
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A - pulp |
D - dentin |
