Figure 4. 3D reconstructions of the dental epithelium in the cheek region of the mandible at ED 15.5, 16.5, and 17.5. The mesenchymal face of the dental and adjacent oral epithelium is shown from a lingual (medial) view. The pictures have been unified to present the right-side dentition. Apoptotic cells and bodies are represented by black dots. The dashed circle indicates apoptosis between the B₁ and B₂ (G) or B₂ and B₃ (M) cusps. Such apoptosis was not found in Ta specimens, which can be explained by their different tooth and cusp patterns (Kristenova et al., 2002). Arrow = apoptosis in the pEK. Double arrowhead = the abortive cap. Single arrowhead = abortive bud. For further explanation, see Figs. 1–3.