Oral histology and anatomy: Merkel cells: 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: Merkel cells

Sample item

Electron microscopy of the basal layer of oral epithelium shows a cell with dense-core granules in synaptic contact with a nerve terminal, acting as a mechanoreceptor. Which cell is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Merkel cell

Merkel cells are neuroendocrine-type cells in the basal layer that form synaptic contacts with afferent axons and act as touch receptors. Langerhans cells present antigen, and melanocytes make pigment.

Option by option

  • A. Langerhans cell

    Langerhans cells are dendritic antigen-presenting cells with Birbeck granules.

  • B. Merkel cell (correct)

    Correct. Dense-core granules and synaptic nerve contact define Merkel cells.

  • C. Melanocyte

    Melanocytes produce melanin and transfer it to keratinocytes.

  • D. Fibroblast

    Fibroblasts lie in the connective tissue and not in the epithelium.

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 B, Merkel cell. Merkel cells are neuroendocrine-type cells in the basal layer that form synaptic contacts with afferent axons and act as touch receptors.

Why is "Langerhans cell" not the answer?

Langerhans cells are dendritic antigen-presenting cells with Birbeck granules.

Why is "Melanocyte" not the answer?

Melanocytes produce melanin and transfer it to keratinocytes.

Why is "Fibroblast" not the answer?

Fibroblasts lie in the connective tissue and not in the epithelium.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: Merkel cells in Dentistry. Langerhans cells present antigen, and melanocytes make pigment.

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: Merkel cells?

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.