A three dimensional representation of the odontogenic epithelium of the rat incisor

摘要

AbstractA three dimensional reconstruction of the basal end of the rat incisor, together with analytical data attesting to the reproducibility of the method is presented. The size and shape of the tooth varies little from animal to animal, while the sizes of the functional compartments are much less uniform.The odontogenic sheath is divided into three zones: Proliferation, differentiation and apposition. The proliferative zone is subdivided into two segments: The basal segment which gives rise to ameloblasts shows the highest cell production; an anterior segment located around the pulp opening which will give rise to the part of the tooth covered by cementum and has a much lower cell production.Total cell production can be obtained only in transverse sections, while mid‐sagittal sections can serve only for comparative purpose