Oral histology and anatomy: buffering in stimulated saliva: 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: buffering in stimulated saliva

Sample item

When salivary flow increases during chewing, the pH of whole saliva rises above its resting level and plaque acids are neutralised more quickly. Which component is chiefly responsible for this rise in buffering?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Bicarbonate

Bicarbonate is the main buffer of stimulated saliva, and its concentration rises with flow rate. Phosphate contributes mainly at low flow.

Option by option

  • A. Phosphate

    Phosphate buffers mainly at resting flow and does not increase greatly with stimulation.

  • B. Bicarbonate (correct)

    Correct. Bicarbonate output climbs with flow and gives the strongest buffering.

  • C. Lysozyme

    Lysozyme is an antibacterial enzyme and does not neutralise acid.

  • D. Mucins

    Mucins lubricate and protect but are not the main acid buffer.

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, Bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is the main buffer of stimulated saliva, and its concentration rises with flow rate.

Why is "Phosphate" not the answer?

Phosphate buffers mainly at resting flow and does not increase greatly with stimulation.

Why is "Lysozyme" not the answer?

Lysozyme is an antibacterial enzyme and does not neutralise acid.

Why is "Mucins" not the answer?

Mucins lubricate and protect but are not the main acid buffer.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: buffering in stimulated saliva in Dentistry. Phosphate contributes mainly at low flow.

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: buffering in stimulated saliva?

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.