Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) is a bilayered structure that forms the root of a tooth. It consists of inner and outer enamel epithelium layers but lacks the intermediate and stellate reticulum layers found in the enamel organ. HERS induces the differentiation of dental papilla cells into odontoblasts, which then form radicular dentin. After the first layer of dentin is laid down, HERS breaks down and its remnants, called rests of Malassez, remain near the root surface in the periodontal ligament. These remnants can form enamel pearls if still attached to dentin. HERS plays a key role in determining root shape, size, and number and in

1. HERTWIG’S EPITHELIAL
ROOTH SHEATH
By SOFIA ALAM

2. DEFINITION
• HERS derives from the most apical extension of
the enamel organ and consists of two cell
layers, the inner and outer enamel epithelium.

3. BILAYERED
• Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath does not include
stratum intermedium or stellate reticulum.

4. WHY IS THERE NO ENAMEL
FORMATION IN HERS
 Absence of stellate reticulum.
 Cells of inner enamel epithelium remain short
columnar and do not convert into tall
columar(ameloblasts).

5. EPITHELIAL
DIAPHRAGM
The tip of the
epithelial root
sheath turns
horizontally
inwards; this turned
in portion is known
as epithelial
diaphragm of root
sheath

6. FORMATION
OF HERS
Hertwigs epithelial
root sheath is
formed when the
coronal enamel
and dentine
reached future
cemento-enamel
junction.

7. INDUCTION OF
DIFFERNTIATION
• Cells of hertwigs
epithelial root sheath
induce differentiation in
radicular dental papillae
cells that converts into
odontoblasts.
• Odontoblasts
subsequently
differentiates into
radicular dentine.

8. RESTS OF MALASSEZ
• After the first layer of
radicular dentine has been
laid down, the epithelial root
sheath loses its structural
continuity and its close
relation to the surface of root.
• Its remnants persists as an
epithelial network of strands
near the external surface of
root. The remnants are known
as Rests of Malassez.
• These epithelial remnants are
later found in periodontal
ligament of erupted tooth.

9. ENAMEL PEARLS
o Also known as droplets of
enamel.
o Fully functional cells that
have the ability to form
enamel.
o IF rest cells of malassez are
still attached with dentine,
then they become fully
functional enamel
producing cells called
enamel pearls.

10.  Determines the shape, size and number of
roots.
 Plays a main character in differentiation of
odontoblasts into radicular dentine.
FUNCTIONS OF HERTWIGS
EPITHELIAL ROOT SHEATH

11.  Essential for the differentiation of
dental follicle cells into periodontal
structures.
 Rests of malassez play a fundamental
role in root development, protect
against root resorption.

12. THANK YOU