Oral histology and anatomy: parakeratinised gingival epithelium: 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: parakeratinised gingival epithelium

Sample item

A biopsy of healthy attached gingiva shows a surface keratin layer in which flattened cells retain pyknotic nuclei, with a thin or absent granular layer. Which type of epithelium is this?

AParakeratinisedBDysplasticCOrthokeratinisedDNon-keratinised

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Parakeratinised

Gingival epithelium is often parakeratinised, in which the superficial cells keep shrunken nuclei. Orthokeratinised surfaces have no nuclei and are seen in parts of the hard palate. Non-keratinised epithelium has no keratin layer and lines the lips and cheeks.

Option by option

A. Parakeratinised (correct)
Correct. Retained pyknotic nuclei in the surface layer define parakeratin.
B. Dysplastic
Dysplastic describes disordered maturation and atypia, which are not described here.
C. Orthokeratinised
Orthokeratin has anucleate surface cells with a distinct granular layer.
D. Non-keratinised
Non-keratinised epithelium lacks a surface keratin layer entirely.

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 A, Parakeratinised. Gingival epithelium is often parakeratinised, in which the superficial cells keep shrunken nuclei.

Why is "Dysplastic" not the answer?

Dysplastic describes disordered maturation and atypia, which are not described here.

Why is "Orthokeratinised" not the answer?

Orthokeratin has anucleate surface cells with a distinct granular layer.

Why is "Non-keratinised" not the answer?

Non-keratinised epithelium lacks a surface keratin layer entirely.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: parakeratinised gingival epithelium in Dentistry. Orthokeratinised surfaces have no nuclei and are seen in parts of the hard palate. Non-keratinised epithelium has no keratin layer and lines the lips and cheeks.

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: parakeratinised gingival epithelium?

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.