When a tooth first erupts into the oral cavity, the attachment epithelium is derived from

The correct answer is choice 2. When the cusps of the tooth emerge from the gingiva, the reduced enamel epithelium fuses
with the gingival epithelium and, together with the primary cuticle or last cell layer of enamel, forms the epithelial attachment. The reduced enamel epithelium is tbe name for the combination of ameloblasts, stellate reticulum and outer enamel epithelium which remain after tooth formation is complete. Choice 3 is incorrect. The epithelial rests of Malassez are epithelial remnants of the epithelial sheath of Hertwig, choice 4. This sheath causes differentiation of odontoblasts to form root dentin and is composed of both inner and outer enamel epithelium. So the correct answer to question is choice 2.