ABSTRACT
Odontogenic cysts represent the commonest form of cystic lesions that affect the human skeleton. Classification of odontogenic cysts into those of developmental and those of inflammatory origin implies their varying origin from odontogenic epithelium at different stages of its normal life cycle. According to the stage of development of the epithelium from which a cyst derives, the potential for further differentiation of the epithelial cells during formation of a cyst may be critically determined and thus explain differences in epithelial expression and behavior among different cyst types. The dental lamina arises by the ingrowth of epithelium from the lining of the stomodeum into the mesenchyme of the developing jaws. The attachment of the wall of a dentigerous cyst to the amelocemental junction region of the tooth with its crown protruding into the cyst cavity, leaves little doubt that the epithelial lining is derived from the reduced enamel epithelium.
