A re-examination of the osteocytic network of interdental bone.

A new method for removal of bone minerals and matrix was used in this study to expose osteocytes and osteocytic processes for examination by techniques of scanning electron microscopy. Osteocytes demonstrated more numerous Type II junctions with osteocytic processes than had previously been recognized. The network of osteocytic processes was extensive and exhibited several structural modifications for more efficient transport: rings and branching. Adjacent osteocytes were connected by osteocytic processes suggesting a functional syncytium. The study suggests that the network of osteocytes and osteocytic processes is more extensive and complex than previously recognized.