The odontoblastic layer is the layer of the dental pulp that lies immediately adjacent to the dentin. It consists of odontoblasts, which are specialized cells responsible for the formation and maintenance of dentin. These cells extend processes into the dentinal tubules, playing a critical role in dentin sensitivity and reparative dentin formation after injury. Understanding the location of the odontoblastic layer is crucial during endodontic procedures to avoid damaging these cells, which can compromise pulp vitality and healing.

Reference: Oral Histology, B. K. Shklar, 11th Edition.