Cervical Loop and HERS — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardBiomedical SciencesCervical Loop and HERSNDEB AFK

The cervical loop of the enamel organ is the precursor to which structure?

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Correct answer: B — Hertwig epithelial root sheath (HERS)

The cervical loop is the junction of the inner and outer enamel epithelium at the growing margin of the enamel organ. After crown formation is complete, the cervical loop proliferates apically as Hertwig epithelial root sheath (HERS), which determines root shape, length, and number. HERS induces differentiation of adjacent dental papilla cells into root odontoblasts. After root dentin formation, HERS disintegrates, and its remnants persist as the epithelial rests of Malassez in the PDL.

Reference: Nanci – Ten Cate's Oral Histology, 9th ed., 2017