Oral histology and anatomy: striae of Retzius: 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: striae of Retzius

Sample item

Ground sections of enamel show brownish lines running obliquely from the dentinoenamel junction toward the surface. What do these lines represent?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Incremental lines of enamel growth

The striae of Retzius are incremental growth lines that reflect the rhythmic deposition of enamel. Where they reach the surface they form perikymata.

Option by option

  • A. Lines of nerve entry

    Enamel carries no nerve fibres; sensation comes via dentine and pulp.

  • B. Odontoblast processes

    Odontoblast processes lie in dentine tubules, not within enamel.

  • C. Sharpey's fibres

    Sharpey's fibres anchor periodontal ligament fibres into cementum and bone.

  • D. Incremental lines of enamel growth (correct)

    Correct. They mark successive positions of the advancing enamel front.

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, Incremental lines of enamel growth. The striae of Retzius are incremental growth lines that reflect the rhythmic deposition of enamel.

Why is "Lines of nerve entry" not the answer?

Enamel carries no nerve fibres; sensation comes via dentine and pulp.

Why is "Odontoblast processes" not the answer?

Odontoblast processes lie in dentine tubules, not within enamel.

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

Sharpey's fibres anchor periodontal ligament fibres into cementum and bone.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: striae of Retzius in Dentistry. Where they reach the surface they form perikymata.

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: striae of Retzius?

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.