Oral histology and anatomy: enamel lamellae: 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: enamel lamellae

Sample item

A ground section of enamel shows thin, leaf-like faults running from the enamel surface towards the dentinoenamel junction, filled with organic material. Bacteria may use them to reach dentine. What are these?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Enamel lamellae

Enamel lamellae are thin, planar defects that run from the surface inward and contain organic matter. They can serve as a pathway for bacteria. Tufts are shorter, branching hypomineralised areas at the junction, and spindles are odontoblast processes crossing it.

Option by option

  • A. Enamel lamellae (correct)

    Correct. Planar surface-to-junction faults with organic content are lamellae.

  • B. Gnarled enamel

    Gnarled enamel is the twisted arrangement of rods near the cusps.

  • C. Enamel spindles

    Spindles are odontoblast processes that cross the junction into enamel.

  • D. Enamel tufts

    Tufts are branching hypomineralised areas that arise at the junction and are short.

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, Enamel lamellae. Enamel lamellae are thin, planar defects that run from the surface inward and contain organic matter.

Why is "Gnarled enamel" not the answer?

Gnarled enamel is the twisted arrangement of rods near the cusps.

Why is "Enamel spindles" not the answer?

Spindles are odontoblast processes that cross the junction into enamel.

Why is "Enamel tufts" not the answer?

Tufts are branching hypomineralised areas that arise at the junction and are short.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: enamel lamellae in Dentistry. They can serve as a pathway for bacteria. Tufts are shorter, branching hypomineralised areas at the junction, and spindles are odontoblast processes crossing it.

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: enamel lamellae?

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.