Oral histology and anatomy: contribution to resting saliva: 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 · Oral histology and anatomy: contribution to resting saliva

Sample item

Which major gland contributes the largest share of the volume of unstimulated (resting) whole saliva?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Submandibular gland

The submandibular glands produce about two-thirds of unstimulated saliva. With stimulation, the parotid glands contribute most of the volume. The sublingual and minor glands produce small amounts of mucous saliva.

Option by option

  • A. Parotid gland

    The parotid glands dominate flow only when stimulated by chewing or taste.

  • B. Sublingual gland

    The sublingual glands contribute only a small fraction of the volume.

  • C. Minor salivary glands

    Minor glands make mucus and a very small part of the volume.

  • D. Submandibular gland (correct)

    Correct. The submandibular glands make most of the resting flow.

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 D, Submandibular gland. The submandibular glands produce about two-thirds of unstimulated saliva.

Why is "Parotid gland" not the answer?

The parotid glands dominate flow only when stimulated by chewing or taste.

Why is "Sublingual gland" not the answer?

The sublingual glands contribute only a small fraction of the volume.

Why is "Minor salivary glands" not the answer?

Minor glands make mucus and a very small part of the volume.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: contribution to resting saliva in Dentistry. With stimulation, the parotid glands contribute most of the volume. The sublingual and minor glands produce small amounts of mucous saliva.

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: contribution to resting saliva?

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.