Dental 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 · Dental anatomy

Sample item

What is the main function of the periodontal ligament?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Suspend the tooth in alveolar bone and transmit forces

The periodontal ligament connects cementum to alveolar bone, absorbs occlusal forces, and provides sensory feedback about tooth loading.

Option by option

  • A. Form dentine after eruption only

    Dentine is formed by odontoblasts throughout life.

  • B. Secrete saliva into the mouth

    Saliva is secreted by salivary glands.

  • C. Produce enamel on the crown

    Enamel is formed by ameloblasts before eruption.

  • D. Suspend the tooth in alveolar bone and transmit forces (correct)

    Correct: it anchors the tooth while cushioning functional forces.

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 D, Suspend the tooth in alveolar bone and transmit forces. The periodontal ligament connects cementum to alveolar bone, absorbs occlusal forces, and provides sensory feedback about tooth loading.

Why is "Form dentine after eruption only" not the answer?

Dentine is formed by odontoblasts throughout life.

Why is "Secrete saliva into the mouth" not the answer?

Saliva is secreted by salivary glands.

Why is "Produce enamel on the crown" not the answer?

Enamel is formed by ameloblasts before eruption.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dental anatomy in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: it anchors the tooth while cushioning functional forces.

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 Dental 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.