Epithelial cell rests of Malassez

In dentistry, the epithelial cell rests of Malassez (ERM) or epithelial rests of Malassez (pax epithelialis pediodontii) are part of the periodontal ligament cells around a tooth.

They are discrete clusters of residual cells from Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) that didn't completely disappear.

It is considered that these cell rests proliferate to form epithelial lining of various odontogenic cysts such as radicular cyst under the influence of various stimuli.

Some rests become calcified in the periodontal ligament (cementicles).

ERM plays a role in cementum repair and regeneration.

(1) The HERS, (2) epithelial rests of Malassez, (3) dental follicle, (4) cementoblasts, (5) periodontal ligament, (6) alveolar cells, (7) bone, (8) odontoblasts