Ameloblasts and odontoblasts in tooth development - bell stage, human, embryo

Stain: Azan. From top to bottom: Stellate reticulum consisting of a loose network of ectoderm-derived cells; Cell layers of the stratum intermedium; Palisade-arranged tall columnar secretory ameloblasts with their nuclear area close to the stratum intermedium. The distal side of the cell is oriented towards initial enamel containing amelogenin (red). Dentin (blue). Note collagen fibers in the partly decalcified dentin; Columnar odontoblasts in a epithelioid arrangement with their thin extensions into the predentin (due to preparation procedures the apices of the odontoblasts are detached from the cell bodies); Fibroblast-like cells (so-called pulpal cells) form the pulp organ, previously dental papilla.