Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: condylar cartilage: 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 · Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: condylar cartilage

Sample item

The mandibular condylar cartilage is an important growth site. How does it differ from the epiphyseal cartilage of a long bone?

AIt is a fibrous suture with no cartilageBIt is a primary cartilage derived from Meckel's cartilageCIt is a secondary cartilage that arises after intramembranous bone formationDIt is a purely endochondral growth plate without a fibrous covering

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. It is a secondary cartilage that arises after intramembranous bone formation

The condylar cartilage is a secondary cartilage that develops later in the fetus as a response to the surrounding tissue and is covered by a fibrous layer. The mandibular body is formed by intramembranous ossification lateral to Meckel's cartilage. Condylar growth contributes to vertical ramus height.

Option by option

A. It is a fibrous suture with no cartilage
A suture is a fibrous joint and is not cartilage.
B. It is a primary cartilage derived from Meckel's cartilage
Meckel's cartilage is primary and mostly disappears, with a part forming the ossicles and ligaments.
C. It is a secondary cartilage that arises after intramembranous bone formation (correct)
Correct. It is secondary cartilage with a fibrous covering.
D. It is a purely endochondral growth plate without a fibrous covering
The condyle has a fibrous covering, unlike a typical epiphyseal plate.

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.

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, It is a secondary cartilage that arises after intramembranous bone formation. The condylar cartilage is a secondary cartilage that develops later in the fetus as a response to the surrounding tissue and is covered by a fibrous layer.

Why is "It is a fibrous suture with no cartilage" not the answer?

A suture is a fibrous joint and is not cartilage.

Why is "It is a primary cartilage derived from Meckel's cartilage" not the answer?

Meckel's cartilage is primary and mostly disappears, with a part forming the ossicles and ligaments.

Why is "It is a purely endochondral growth plate without a fibrous covering" not the answer?

The condyle has a fibrous covering, unlike a typical epiphyseal plate.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: condylar cartilage in Dentistry. The mandibular body is formed by intramembranous ossification lateral to Meckel's cartilage. Condylar growth contributes to vertical ramus height.

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 Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: condylar cartilage?

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.