Oral histology and anatomy: autonomic control of saliva: 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: autonomic control of saliva

Sample item

A patient on a drug that blocks muscarinic receptors complains of a dry mouth. Which change in saliva is expected with predominant sympathetic action?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Scanty, thick and viscous saliva

Parasympathetic stimulation produces abundant watery saliva, and sympathetic stimulation yields a small volume of thick, protein-rich saliva. Anticholinergic drugs remove the parasympathetic drive and cause xerostomia.

Option by option

  • A. Increased amylase-free secretion

    Sympathetic secretion is rich in protein, including amylase, and is not amylase-free.

  • B. Scanty, thick and viscous saliva (correct)

    Correct. Sympathetic action gives scanty viscous saliva.

  • C. Increased salivary flow from vasodilation

    Vasodilation of the glands accompanies parasympathetic stimulation.

  • D. Profuse watery saliva

    Profuse watery saliva is the parasympathetic response, which is blocked here.

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 B, Scanty, thick and viscous saliva. Parasympathetic stimulation produces abundant watery saliva, and sympathetic stimulation yields a small volume of thick, protein-rich saliva.

Why is "Increased amylase-free secretion" not the answer?

Sympathetic secretion is rich in protein, including amylase, and is not amylase-free.

Why is "Increased salivary flow from vasodilation" not the answer?

Vasodilation of the glands accompanies parasympathetic stimulation.

Why is "Profuse watery saliva" not the answer?

Profuse watery saliva is the parasympathetic response, which is blocked here.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: autonomic control of saliva in Dentistry. Anticholinergic drugs remove the parasympathetic drive and cause xerostomia.

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: autonomic control of saliva?

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.