Outer enamel epithelium

In the early stages of development of the enamel organ the outer enamel epithelium consists of a single layer of cuboid cells, separated from the surrounding connective tissue of the dental sac by a delicate basement membrane. Prior to the formation of hard structures, this regular arrangement of the outer enamel epithelium is maintained only in the cervical parts of the enamel organ. At the highest convexity of the organ the cells of the outer enamel epithelium become irregular in shape and cannot be distinguished easily from the outer portion of the stellate reticulum.

The cervical loop area: (1) dental follicle cells, (2) dental mesenchyme, (3) Odontoblasts, (4) Dentin, (5) stellate reticulum, (6) outer enamel epithelium, (7)inner enamel epithelium, (8) ameloblasts, (9) enamel

The capillaries in the connective tissue surrounding the epithelial enamel organ proliferate and protrude toward it. Immediately before enamel formation commences, capillaries may even indent the stellate reticulum. This increased vascularity ensures a rich metabolism when a plentiful supply of substances from the bloodstream to the inner enamel epithelium is required. During enamel formation, cells of the outer enamel epithelium develop villi and cytoplasmic vesicles and large numbers of mitochondria, all indicating cell specialization for the active transport of materials. The capillaries in contact with the outer enamel epithelium show areas with very thin walls, a structural modification also commonly found in areas of active transport.

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