Oral histology and anatomy: oral mucosa types: 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: oral mucosa types

Sample item

A biopsy of oral mucosa shows a thick keratinised stratified squamous epithelium bound firmly to periosteum with no submucosa. From which site is this most likely taken?

AFloor of the mouthBHard palateCSoft palateDBuccal mucosa

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Hard palate

The hard palate and gingiva are masticatory mucosa, which is keratinised and tightly bound to bone. The floor of the mouth, cheek and soft palate are lined mucosa, which is non-keratinised.

Option by option

A. Floor of the mouth
The floor of the mouth has thin non-keratinised lining mucosa.
B. Hard palate (correct)
Correct. The hard palate is keratinised masticatory mucosa.
C. Soft palate
The soft palate is lined mucosa that is non-keratinised.
D. Buccal mucosa
The buccal mucosa is non-keratinised and has a loose submucosa.

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.

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, Hard palate. The hard palate and gingiva are masticatory mucosa, which is keratinised and tightly bound to bone.

Why is "Floor of the mouth" not the answer?

The floor of the mouth has thin non-keratinised lining mucosa.

Why is "Soft palate" not the answer?

The soft palate is lined mucosa that is non-keratinised.

Why is "Buccal mucosa" not the answer?

The buccal mucosa is non-keratinised and has a loose submucosa.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: oral mucosa types in Dentistry. The floor of the mouth, cheek and soft palate are lined mucosa, which is non-keratinised.

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: oral mucosa types?

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.