Oral histology and anatomy: junctional epithelium: 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: junctional epithelium

Sample item

Which epithelium attaches the gingiva to the tooth surface by hemidesmosomes and forms the floor of the gingival sulcus?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Junctional epithelium

The junctional epithelium is a non-keratinised, rapidly turning over epithelium that adheres to enamel through hemidesmosomes and an internal basal lamina. It forms the epithelial attachment and the base of the sulcus.

Option by option

  • A. Junctional epithelium (correct)

    Correct. It forms the attachment of gingiva to the tooth.

  • B. Reduced enamel epithelium of the cap stage

    Reduced enamel epithelium is the developmental precursor, and it is replaced by junctional epithelium after eruption.

  • C. Keratinised oral epithelium

    Keratinised oral epithelium covers the outer gingiva and does not contact the tooth.

  • D. Oral sulcular epithelium

    The sulcular epithelium lines the wall of the sulcus and does not attach to the tooth.

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, Junctional epithelium. The junctional epithelium is a non-keratinised, rapidly turning over epithelium that adheres to enamel through hemidesmosomes and an internal basal lamina.

Why is "Reduced enamel epithelium of the cap stage" not the answer?

Reduced enamel epithelium is the developmental precursor, and it is replaced by junctional epithelium after eruption.

Why is "Keratinised oral epithelium" not the answer?

Keratinised oral epithelium covers the outer gingiva and does not contact the tooth.

Why is "Oral sulcular epithelium" not the answer?

The sulcular epithelium lines the wall of the sulcus and does not attach to the tooth.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: junctional epithelium in Dentistry. It forms the epithelial attachment and the base of the sulcus.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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: junctional epithelium?

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.