Oral histology and anatomy: Hunter-Schreger bands: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral histology and anatomy: Hunter-Schreger bands

Sample item

In longitudinal ground sections viewed with reflected light, alternate light and dark bands are seen in the inner two-thirds of enamel. What causes this appearance?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Abrupt change in direction of groups of enamel rods

Hunter-Schreger bands are an optical effect arising from groups of rods that cross each other in different directions. They strengthen enamel by resisting fracture along a single plane.

Option by option

  • A. Abrupt change in direction of groups of enamel rods (correct)

    Correct. Rods change orientation in adjacent groups, producing the alternating bands.

  • B. Tubules of dentine entering the enamel

    Tubules entering enamel are enamel tufts and spindles, which look different.

  • C. Calcified remnants of the dental lamina

    Dental lamina remnants lie in the soft tissues, not enamel.

  • D. Variation in mineral density caused by fluorosis

    Fluorosis causes mottling, not regular banding of normal enamel.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, Abrupt change in direction of groups of enamel rods. Hunter-Schreger bands are an optical effect arising from groups of rods that cross each other in different directions.

Why is "Tubules of dentine entering the enamel" not the answer?

Tubules entering enamel are enamel tufts and spindles, which look different.

Why is "Calcified remnants of the dental lamina" not the answer?

Dental lamina remnants lie in the soft tissues, not enamel.

Why is "Variation in mineral density caused by fluorosis" not the answer?

Fluorosis causes mottling, not regular banding of normal enamel.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: Hunter-Schreger bands in Dentistry. They strengthen enamel by resisting fracture along a single plane.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral histology and anatomy: Hunter-Schreger bands?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.