Oral histology and anatomy: granular layer of Tomes: 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: granular layer of Tomes

Sample item

A ground section of root dentine shows a band of small dark spots just inside the cementum, formed by looping and branching of terminal dentinal tubules. What is this layer?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Granular layer of Tomes

The granular layer of Tomes lies in the peripheral root dentine beneath the cementum. The tubule endings loop and branch, giving the granular appearance. The hyaline layer of Hopewell-Smith is the clear layer lying just outside it.

Option by option

  • A. Granular layer of Tomes (correct)

    Correct. Looping tubule endings in peripheral root dentine give this granular appearance.

  • B. Zone of Weil

    The zone of Weil is the cell-free zone in the pulp beneath the odontoblasts.

  • C. Hyaline layer of Hopewell-Smith

    The hyaline layer lies between the granular layer and the cementum and looks clear.

  • D. Mantle dentine

    Mantle dentine is the first-formed dentine of the crown, not of the root.

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 A, Granular layer of Tomes. The granular layer of Tomes lies in the peripheral root dentine beneath the cementum.

Why is "Zone of Weil" not the answer?

The zone of Weil is the cell-free zone in the pulp beneath the odontoblasts.

Why is "Hyaline layer of Hopewell-Smith" not the answer?

The hyaline layer lies between the granular layer and the cementum and looks clear.

Why is "Mantle dentine" not the answer?

Mantle dentine is the first-formed dentine of the crown, not of the root.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: granular layer of Tomes in Dentistry. The tubule endings loop and branch, giving the granular appearance. The hyaline layer of Hopewell-Smith is the clear layer lying just outside 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: granular layer of Tomes?

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.