DEVELOPMENT OF CELLULAR DENTIN AND LEPIDOSTEAL TUBULES IN THE BOWFIN, AMIA CALVA

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Abstract
The development of cellular dentin and lepidosteal tubules, in the Bowfin A. calva, are described. A developmental series, from 6-400 mm in length were studied. Incorporation of pulp cells into the dentinal matrix first occurred at the 55 mm stage. These cells which are termed odontocytes have interconnecting canaliculi but do not anastomoze with dentinal tubules. Similar dentins is described in other animals. Lepidosteal tubules are present throughout the skeleton. They contain large uncalcified fiber bundles in the vertebrae. They contain cytoplasmic prolongations of a large periosteal cell type in the skull vault. These tubules develop at about the same time as the cellular dentin. They do not connect with osteocytic lacunae or canaliculi. Their function is unknown. The simultaneous presence of cellular dentin and lepidosteal tubules is not a mutual histological convergence of these 2 tissues. The functions of these tissues is unknown.