Tooth development: cell rests of Malassez: 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: cell rests of Malassez

Sample item

Epithelial cell rests of Malassez persist in the periodontal ligament. Which cyst most often arises from them?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Radicular cyst

The rests of Malassez are remnants of Hertwig's sheath. Inflammation from a non-vital tooth stimulates them to proliferate and form a radicular (periapical) cyst. The dentigerous cyst arises from reduced enamel epithelium, and the keratocyst from dental lamina remnants.

Option by option

  • A. Dentigerous cyst

    The dentigerous cyst arises from reduced enamel epithelium around an unerupted crown.

  • B. Odontogenic keratocyst

    The keratocyst is thought to arise from rests of the dental lamina.

  • C. Radicular cyst (correct)

    Correct. Inflammatory stimulation of Malassez rests gives the radicular cyst.

  • D. Lateral periodontal cyst

    The lateral periodontal cyst is a developmental cyst from dental lamina rests, not an inflammatory Malassez cyst.

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, Radicular cyst. The rests of Malassez are remnants of Hertwig's sheath.

Why is "Dentigerous cyst" not the answer?

The dentigerous cyst arises from reduced enamel epithelium around an unerupted crown.

Why is "Odontogenic keratocyst" not the answer?

The keratocyst is thought to arise from rests of the dental lamina.

Why is "Lateral periodontal cyst" not the answer?

The lateral periodontal cyst is a developmental cyst from dental lamina rests, not an inflammatory Malassez cyst.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Tooth development: cell rests of Malassez in Dentistry. Inflammation from a non-vital tooth stimulates them to proliferate and form a radicular (periapical) cyst. The dentigerous cyst arises from reduced enamel epithelium, and the keratocyst from dental lamina remnants.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: cell rests of Malassez?

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.