Tooth anatomy: 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 · Tooth anatomy

Sample item

Which tissue is the hardest substance in the human body?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Enamel

Enamel is highly mineralized and forms the protective outer covering of the crown; it is harder than dentin and cementum but cannot regenerate once substantially lost.

Option by option

  • A. Enamel (correct)

    Correct: enamel is the most highly mineralized and hardest body tissue.

  • B. Dental pulp

    Pulp is soft neurovascular connective tissue.

  • C. Cementum

    Cementum covers the root and is softer than enamel.

  • D. Dentin

    Dentin lies beneath enamel and is less mineralized.

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.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, Enamel. Enamel is highly mineralized and forms the protective outer covering of the crown; it is harder than dentin and cementum but cannot regenerate once substantially lost.

Why is "Dental pulp" not the answer?

Pulp is soft neurovascular connective tissue.

Why is "Cementum" not the answer?

Cementum covers the root and is softer than enamel.

Why is "Dentin" not the answer?

Dentin lies beneath enamel and is less mineralized.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Tooth anatomy in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: enamel is the most highly mineralized and hardest body tissue.

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 Tooth anatomy?

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.