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.
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. 
