Tooth anatomy: 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 · Tooth anatomy

Sample item

Why can exposed dentin cause sharp sensitivity to cold or sweet foods?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Fluid movement in dentinal tubules stimulates the pulp

Dentin contains microscopic tubules connected to the pulp; thermal or osmotic stimuli move fluid within these tubules and can trigger pulpal nerve endings, producing characteristic sensitivity.

Option by option

  • A. Fluid movement in dentinal tubules stimulates the pulp (correct)

    Correct: dentinal-tubule fluid movement is the basis of common sensitivity.

  • B. The tooth loses all nerve supply

    Sensitivity requires intact neural response rather than complete denervation.

  • C. Enamel becomes highly vascular

    Enamel is avascular and does not become highly vascular.

  • D. Cementum produces insulin

    Cementum has no insulin-producing function.

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 A, Fluid movement in dentinal tubules stimulates the pulp. Dentin contains microscopic tubules connected to the pulp; thermal or osmotic stimuli move fluid within these tubules and can trigger pulpal nerve endings, producing characteristic sensitivity.

Why is "The tooth loses all nerve supply" not the answer?

Sensitivity requires intact neural response rather than complete denervation.

Why is "Enamel becomes highly vascular" not the answer?

Enamel is avascular and does not become highly vascular.

Why is "Cementum produces insulin" not the answer?

Cementum has no insulin-producing function.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Tooth anatomy in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: dentinal-tubule fluid movement is the basis of common sensitivity.

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 anatomy?

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.