The resorption of dental tissue is brought about by_____________?
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Answer: C. Odontoclasts
Explanation
Odontoclasts are specialized multinucleated giant cells that resorb dental hard tissues such as root dentin and cementum. These cells share functional and morphological similarities with osteoclasts, actively dissolving both organic and inorganic matrices. They are responsible for the normal physiological resorption of deciduous tooth roots prior to permanent tooth eruption. Odontoclasts form ruffled borders adjacent to the dental tissue surface to secrete hydrochloric acid and lysosomal enzymes. Their precursors circulate in the bloodstream and fuse locally in response to chemical signaling from periodontal ligament cells. Pathological root resorption caused by trauma or orthodontic pressure is likewise mediated by these specialized multinucleated cells.
Osteoclasts primarily resorb alveolar bone rather than specializing in the resorption of dental hard tissues like dentin. Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells responsible for synthesizing the organic osteoid matrix during skeletal development. Odontoblasts are responsible for dentin formation throughout life rather than the breakdown or resorption of dental tissues.
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Q1. Pure mucous glands are exemplified by_____________?
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Answer: B. Glosso palatine & palatine glands
Glossopalatine and palatine minor salivary glands consist almost entirely of mucous acini. They secrete high-viscosity mucus rich in glycoproteins to lubricate the posterior oral cavity. Their histological architecture l...
Q2. Periodontal fibers linking the cemental surface of one tooth to that of a neighboring tooth are designated as____________?
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Answer: D. Transseptal fibres
Transseptal fibers are principal periodontal ligament fibers running interproximally over the alveolar crest. They connect the root cementum of one tooth directly to the cementum of an adjacent tooth. These horizontal fi...
Q3. Which statement concerning teeth is incorrect?
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Answer: C. Ameloblast secrete enamel and dentine
Ameloblasts are specialized cells that exclusively synthesize and secrete organic enamel matrix proteins. They do not produce dentin, which is formed by a completely separate population of odontoblast cells. Attributing...
Q4. Reversal lines visible on the cribriform plate (alveolar bone proper) of the alveolar process signal the cessation of____________?
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Answer: B. Osteoclastic activity
Reversal lines in alveolar bone indicate the precise transition from resorption to formation phases. When osteoclastic activity ceases, osteoblasts begin depositing new bone matrix against the scalloped surface. These hi...
Q5. The developmental origin of odontoblasts traces back to______________?
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Answer: A. Undifferentiated mesenchymal
Odontoblasts differentiate directly from undifferentiated mesenchymal cells within the dental papilla. Inductive signals from the adjacent inner enamel epithelium trigger this terminal cell differentiation. These newly f...
Q6. Remnants of Hertwig’s root sheath are located within____________?
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Answer: C. Periodontal ligament
Epithelial rests of Malassez persist as cellular remnants of Hertwig root sheath within the ligament. These microscopic clusters of epithelial cells remain dormant in the adult periodontal ligament space. They can occasi...