Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Scammon growth curves: 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 · Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Scammon growth curves

Sample item

According to Scammon's growth curves, which curve do the brain and the cranial vault follow?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Neural growth curve

The neural curve is rapid in early childhood, with the brain and cranial vault nearly reaching adult size by about 6 to 7 years. The general curve, followed by the mandible and the body, is S-shaped with a pubertal spurt. The lymphoid curve peaks in childhood and then declines.

Option by option

  • A. General growth curve

    The general curve applies to the body and the jaws and shows a pubertal spurt.

  • B. Genital growth curve

    The genital curve shows slow growth until puberty.

  • C. Lymphoid growth curve

    The lymphoid curve exceeds adult levels in childhood and then regresses.

  • D. Neural growth curve (correct)

    Correct. The cranium follows the early, rapid neural curve.

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 D, Neural growth curve. The neural curve is rapid in early childhood, with the brain and cranial vault nearly reaching adult size by about 6 to 7 years.

Why is "General growth curve" not the answer?

The general curve applies to the body and the jaws and shows a pubertal spurt.

Why is "Genital growth curve" not the answer?

The genital curve shows slow growth until puberty.

Why is "Lymphoid growth curve" not the answer?

The lymphoid curve exceeds adult levels in childhood and then regresses.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Scammon growth curves in Dentistry. The general curve, followed by the mandible and the body, is S-shaped with a pubertal spurt. The lymphoid curve peaks in childhood and then declines.

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 Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Scammon growth curves?

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.