Tomes' process

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Tomes' processes are a histologic landmark identified on an ameloblast. During the synthesis of enamel, the ameloblast moves away from the dentin, forming a projection surrounded by the developing enamel. Tomes' processes are those projections and give the ameloblast a "picket-fence" appearance under a microscope.

They are located on the secretory, basal, end of the ameloblast.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  • Cate, A.R. Ten. Oral Histology: development, structure, and function. 5th ed. 1998. ISBN 0-8151-2952-1.
  • Ross, Michael H., Gordon I. Kaye, and Wojciech Pawlina. Histology: a text and atlas. 4th edition. 2003. ISBN 0-683-30242-6.