Oral histology and anatomy: cellular cementum: 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: cellular cementum

Sample item

Which feature distinguishes cellular cementum from acellular cementum?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Cementocytes lodged in lacunae, mainly in the apical half of the root

Cellular cementum contains cementocytes in lacunae and is found mostly in the apical third and furcations. Acellular cementum covers the cervical root and forms slowly before the tooth reaches function.

Option by option

  • A. Location only at the cervical third of the root

    Acellular cementum is the cervical type, so this describes the wrong variety.

  • B. Formation before tooth eruption

    Acellular cementum forms earlier; the cellular type forms after the tooth is in occlusion.

  • C. Absence of Sharpey's fibres

    Both types carry Sharpey's fibres anchoring the ligament.

  • D. Cementocytes lodged in lacunae, mainly in the apical half of the root (correct)

    Correct. Cementocytes in lacunae characterise the cellular type, usually apically.

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 D, Cementocytes lodged in lacunae, mainly in the apical half of the root. Cellular cementum contains cementocytes in lacunae and is found mostly in the apical third and furcations.

Why is "Location only at the cervical third of the root" not the answer?

Acellular cementum is the cervical type, so this describes the wrong variety.

Why is "Formation before tooth eruption" not the answer?

Acellular cementum forms earlier; the cellular type forms after the tooth is in occlusion.

Why is "Absence of Sharpey's fibres" not the answer?

Both types carry Sharpey's fibres anchoring the ligament.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: cellular cementum in Dentistry. Acellular cementum covers the cervical root and forms slowly before the tooth reaches function.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: cellular cementum?

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.