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Tubule Density Near the Pulp
The concentration of dentinal tubules (A) unit area near the pulp chamber is shown in this image. Compare the density of the tubules here, noting the reduction in thickness of the intervening inter-tubular dentin (B), with that mid way through the dentin layer seen in the last image (# 8). Which has the greatest density? (Look at C to check your answer). There are over twice as many dentinal tubules per unit area near the pulp in the coronal regions. Why? (Look at D to check your answer). As odontoblasts lay down dentin, the walls of the pulp chamber decrease in surface area. This causes crowding of the odontoblasts and subsequent stratification.
Legend
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A - dentinal tubules |
C - this one does |
