Oral anatomy: parotid duct: 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 anatomy: parotid duct

Sample item

A surgeon identifies the parotid duct after it pierces the buccinator. Where does the duct open into the mouth?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Opposite the upper second molar

Stensen's duct runs across the masseter, pierces buccinator and opens on a small papilla of the cheek opposite the maxillary second molar. Wharton's duct, in contrast, opens at the sublingual caruncle.

Option by option

  • A. Opposite the lower first molar

    This is not the site of the parotid papilla.

  • B. At the sublingual caruncle

    The sublingual caruncle receives the submandibular duct.

  • C. Beside the upper central incisor

    The incisor region does not receive a major duct opening.

  • D. Opposite the upper second molar (correct)

    Correct. The Stensen duct papilla lies opposite the upper second molar.

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, Opposite the upper second molar. Stensen's duct runs across the masseter, pierces buccinator and opens on a small papilla of the cheek opposite the maxillary second molar.

Why is "Opposite the lower first molar" not the answer?

This is not the site of the parotid papilla.

Why is "At the sublingual caruncle" not the answer?

The sublingual caruncle receives the submandibular duct.

Why is "Beside the upper central incisor" not the answer?

The incisor region does not receive a major duct opening.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral anatomy: parotid duct in Dentistry. Wharton's duct, in contrast, opens at the sublingual caruncle.

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 anatomy: parotid duct?

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.