Oral histology and anatomy: Von Ebner glands: 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.

Try it

Dentistry · Oral histology and anatomy: Von Ebner glands

Sample item

Histology of the posterior tongue shows serous glands opening into the trenches around large papillae. What is the function of these glands?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. They wash out the trenches so that taste buds can respond to new stimuli

Von Ebner glands are serous glands that drain into the trenches around circumvallate papillae. Their watery secretion, which also contains lingual lipase, clears the trench.

Option by option

  • A. They secrete mucus to lubricate food

    Mucous glands are located elsewhere, such as the root of the tongue.

  • B. They wash out the trenches so that taste buds can respond to new stimuli (correct)

    Correct. Rinsing the trench allows taste buds to detect new stimuli.

  • C. They produce IgA for gut immunity

    Immunoglobulin A is produced by plasma cells, not as the main role of these glands.

  • D. They secrete lingual lipase into the stomach

    Lingual lipase is present in their secretion but it acts on fat in the mouth and stomach, and clearing the trench is the main described role.

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.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, They wash out the trenches so that taste buds can respond to new stimuli. Von Ebner glands are serous glands that drain into the trenches around circumvallate papillae.

Why is "They secrete mucus to lubricate food" not the answer?

Mucous glands are located elsewhere, such as the root of the tongue.

Why is "They produce IgA for gut immunity" not the answer?

Immunoglobulin A is produced by plasma cells, not as the main role of these glands.

Why is "They secrete lingual lipase into the stomach" not the answer?

Lingual lipase is present in their secretion but it acts on fat in the mouth and stomach, and clearing the trench is the main described role.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: Von Ebner glands in Dentistry. Their watery secretion, which also contains lingual lipase, clears the trench.

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: Von Ebner glands?

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.