Oral histology and anatomy: alveolar crest fibres: 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.

Try it

Dentistry · Oral histology and anatomy: alveolar crest fibres

Sample item

Which principal fibre group of the periodontal ligament runs obliquely from the cementum just below the cementoenamel junction to the rim of the alveolar crest, mainly resisting extrusion of the tooth?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Alveolar crest group

The alveolar crest fibres pass downward and outward from cementum to the bone crest. They resist extrusive forces and some lateral forces. Horizontal fibres run at right angles to the root axis, apical fibres radiate from the apex, and interradicular fibres lie only in the furcation of multirooted teeth.

Option by option

  • A. Interradicular group

    Interradicular fibres are found only between the roots of multirooted teeth.

  • B. Apical group

    Apical fibres radiate from the cementum at the apex to the bone of the socket base.

  • C. Horizontal group

    Horizontal fibres run at right angles to the long axis and resist lateral movement.

  • D. Alveolar crest group (correct)

    Correct. These fibres run from cementum near the junction to the crest and resist extrusion.

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, Alveolar crest group. The alveolar crest fibres pass downward and outward from cementum to the bone crest.

Why is "Interradicular group" not the answer?

Interradicular fibres are found only between the roots of multirooted teeth.

Why is "Apical group" not the answer?

Apical fibres radiate from the cementum at the apex to the bone of the socket base.

Why is "Horizontal group" not the answer?

Horizontal fibres run at right angles to the long axis and resist lateral movement.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: alveolar crest fibres in Dentistry. They resist extrusive forces and some lateral forces. Horizontal fibres run at right angles to the root axis, apical fibres radiate from the apex, and interradicular fibres lie only in the furcation of multirooted teeth.

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: alveolar crest fibres?

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.