Tooth development and dental anatomy: cervical loop: 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 development and dental anatomy: cervical loop

Sample item

At the rim of the enamel organ, the inner and outer enamel epithelia meet and later grow apically to form the root-forming sheath. What is this region called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Cervical loop

The cervical loop is the zone at the rim of the enamel organ where the outer and inner enamel epithelia are continuous. Its proliferation forms Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, which shapes the root after crown formation.

Option by option

  • A. Stellate reticulum

    The stellate reticulum is the star-shaped cell network inside the enamel organ.

  • B. Stratum intermedium

    The stratum intermedium lies next to the inner enamel epithelium and supports ameloblasts.

  • C. Cervical loop (correct)

    Correct. The cervical loop gives rise to the root sheath.

  • D. Enamel knot

    The enamel knot is a signalling centre in the inner enamel epithelium that patterns cusps.

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 C, Cervical loop. The cervical loop is the zone at the rim of the enamel organ where the outer and inner enamel epithelia are continuous.

Why is "Stellate reticulum" not the answer?

The stellate reticulum is the star-shaped cell network inside the enamel organ.

Why is "Stratum intermedium" not the answer?

The stratum intermedium lies next to the inner enamel epithelium and supports ameloblasts.

Why is "Enamel knot" not the answer?

The enamel knot is a signalling centre in the inner enamel epithelium that patterns cusps.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Tooth development and dental anatomy: cervical loop in Dentistry. Its proliferation forms Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, which shapes the root after crown formation.

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 development and dental anatomy: cervical loop?

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.