– The fine structure of the odontoblast/predentin area in the apical region of human teeth has been studied. The odontoblasts were characterized by a rich rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and numerous dense bodies. Between the odontoblasts small bundles of collagen fibers believed to represent the so-called von Korff's fibers could be observed. The individual fibers had a diameter of about 500 A. Junctional complexes were observed between the odontoblasts. In some areas a zone which stained deeper than the cytoplasm generally could be seen within that part of the odontoblast which bordered the predentin. This zone might represent a type of attachment apparatus between the odontoblast and the predentin. The surface of the odontoblastic processes were undulating, and lateral branches from the main odontoblastic processes were often seen. The chief content of the processes was a fine fibrillar material, but microtubules, vesicles, and dense bodies were also observed. The diameter of the collagen fibers in the predentin adjacent to the pulp appeared smaller than the diameter of the fibers further into the predentin. There was an abrupt transition between the mineralized and unmineralized matrix. In some specimens where phosphate-buffered fixatives were used, a zone of atypical crystals were observed at the mineralization front.
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