Claim: Epithelial cell rests of Malassez are part of the periodontal ligament cells around a tooth which is a group of specialized connective tissue fibers that essentially attach a tooth to the alveolar bone within which it sits and inserts into the root cementum one side and onto alveolar bone on the other.
Evidence: In dentistry, the epithelial cell rests of Malassez (ERM) or epithelial rests of Malassez (pax epithelialis pediodontii) are part of the periodontal ligament cells around a tooth. The periodontal ligament, commonly abbreviated as the PDL, is a group of specialized connective tissue fibers that essentially attach a tooth to the alveolar bone within which it sits. It inserts into root cementum one side and onto alveolar bone on the other.