Morphogenesis of human tooth primordia: the importance of 3D computer-assisted reconstruction

Three-dimensional reconstruction of embryological structures from histological serial sections is necessary when researching questions concerning formal development and mutual influences due to neighboring relationships. Graphical reconstructions can be performed by personal computers. In the present paper the need for 3D-reconstructions is explained, and examples showing the development of human dental primordia and their surrounding structures of specimens ranging between 18 and 64 mm CRL are presented. The contour-line plots that are provided by the software HISTOL are graphically reworked to anatomical drawings. Spatial impediment as one of the factors responsible for development of tooth form is discussed on the basis of the 3D-reconstructions.