Tooth development and dental anatomy: derivation of dental tissues: 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 · Tooth development and dental anatomy: derivation of dental tissues

Sample item

Which statement about the embryological derivation of tooth-supporting and tooth tissues is correct?

AEnamel and dentine are both ectodermalBDentine and enamel are both derived from the dental follicleCEnamel is ectodermal, whereas dentine, cementum and alveolar bone are mesenchymal derivativesDCementum is ectodermal and enamel is mesenchymal

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Enamel is ectodermal, whereas dentine, cementum and alveolar bone are mesenchymal derivatives

Ameloblasts of ectodermal origin form enamel. Dentine comes from papilla odontoblasts, while cementum and alveolar bone come from the dental follicle, all being mesenchymal.

Option by option

A. Enamel and dentine are both ectodermal
Dentine is formed by odontoblasts of mesenchymal origin.
B. Dentine and enamel are both derived from the dental follicle
Enamel comes from the enamel organ and dentine from the dental papilla, not the follicle.
C. Enamel is ectodermal, whereas dentine, cementum and alveolar bone are mesenchymal derivatives (correct)
Correct. Only enamel among these tissues is epithelial (ectodermal) in origin.
D. Cementum is ectodermal and enamel is mesenchymal
The reverse is true: cementum is mesenchymal and enamel is ectodermal.

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 C, Enamel is ectodermal, whereas dentine, cementum and alveolar bone are mesenchymal derivatives. Ameloblasts of ectodermal origin form enamel.

Why is "Enamel and dentine are both ectodermal" not the answer?

Dentine is formed by odontoblasts of mesenchymal origin.

Why is "Dentine and enamel are both derived from the dental follicle" not the answer?

Enamel comes from the enamel organ and dentine from the dental papilla, not the follicle.

Why is "Cementum is ectodermal and enamel is mesenchymal" not the answer?

The reverse is true: cementum is mesenchymal and enamel is ectodermal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Tooth development and dental anatomy: derivation of dental tissues in Dentistry. Dentine comes from papilla odontoblasts, while cementum and alveolar bone come from the dental follicle, all being mesenchymal.

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 Tooth development and dental anatomy: derivation of dental tissues?

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.