342 MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY OF THE TEETH 



These preparations of the follicle show that both the 

 external and internal epithelium persist up to the period 

 immediately before eruption. The attachment to the cells 

 of the follicle is very slight, and in most of the preparations 

 large portions of Nasmyth's membrane are seen loose and 

 lying across the section, being attached by one or both 

 extremities to the follicle (see figs. 230, 231, and 232). 



As shown in figs. 231 and 232, the internal epithelium, the 

 stratum intermedium, and flattened cells oi the external 



FIG. 231. The enamel organ cells on the inner margin of the follicle, 

 showing commencing detachment. Farther along these layers are com- 

 pletely separated. Longitudinal section. ( x 400. ) 



epithelium are all seen blended with the follicle, but showing 

 a tendency to detach in places. In fig. 231 the whole of the 

 enamel organ, with the exception of the stellate reticulum, 

 which has long since disappeared, is seen becoming detached 

 from the follicle. It is also seen in these figures that not only 

 these cells but others deeper within the follicle here and 

 there become detached with them. The attachment to the 

 enamel is probably more complete than that to the follicle, 

 but when the enamel has been decalcified without disturb- 

 ance of the neighbouring tissues, as in this case, the attach- 

 ment to the cells of the follicle is better maintained. 



