Oral histology and anatomy: serous demilunes: 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: serous demilunes

Sample item

A histology slide of the submandibular gland shows mucous acini capped at their periphery by a crescent of darker-staining serous cells. What are these crescents called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Serous demilunes

Serous demilunes are crescents of serous cells sitting on mucous acini, as in the submandibular and sublingual glands. Their secretion reaches the lumen through small canaliculi between the mucous cells.

Option by option

  • A. Serous demilunes (correct)

    Correct. Serous cells capping a mucous acinus form a demilune.

  • B. Intercalated ducts

    Intercalated ducts are small narrow conduits joining the acini and striated ducts.

  • C. Myoepithelial cells

    Myoepithelial cells are flattened and contractile, and are not secretory crescents.

  • D. Striated ducts

    Striated ducts are larger duct segments with basal striations, not caps on acini.

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 A, Serous demilunes. Serous demilunes are crescents of serous cells sitting on mucous acini, as in the submandibular and sublingual glands.

Why is "Intercalated ducts" not the answer?

Intercalated ducts are small narrow conduits joining the acini and striated ducts.

Why is "Myoepithelial cells" not the answer?

Myoepithelial cells are flattened and contractile, and are not secretory crescents.

Why is "Striated ducts" not the answer?

Striated ducts are larger duct segments with basal striations, not caps on acini.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: serous demilunes in Dentistry. Their secretion reaches the lumen through small canaliculi between the mucous cells.

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: serous demilunes?

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.