CDC Dental Terminology & Anatomy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which anatomical landmark is the junction between the enamel and cementum on a tooth?
- Dentinoenamel junction (DEJ)
- Cementoenamel junction (CEJ) (Correct answer)
- Amelodentinal junction
- Periodontal junction
Correct answer: Cementoenamel junction (CEJ)
The cementoenamel junction (CEJ) is where enamel of the crown meets cementum of the root.
Question 2: The term 'mesial' in dental anatomy refers to which direction?
- Toward the back of the mouth
- Toward the midline of the dental arch (Correct answer)
- Away from the midline
- Toward the tongue
Correct answer: Toward the midline of the dental arch
Mesial refers to the surface or direction closest to the midline of the dental arch.
Question 3: What is the name of the fibrous connective tissue that anchors the tooth to the alveolar bone?
- Gingival fibers
- Periodontal ligament (PDL) (Correct answer)
- Sharpey's fibers only
- Alveolar mucosa
Correct answer: Periodontal ligament (PDL)
The periodontal ligament (PDL) consists of collagen fibers that suspend and anchor the tooth within the alveolar socket.
Question 4: Which term describes the biting surface of posterior teeth?
- Incisal
- Lingual
- Occlusal (Correct answer)
- Buccal
Correct answer: Occlusal
The occlusal surface is the chewing or biting surface found on premolars and molars.
Question 5: What is 'alveolar bone'?
- The bone forming the hard palate
- The bone that surrounds and supports the tooth roots (Correct answer)
- The cortical plate of the mandible
- The trabecular bone of the maxillary sinus
Correct answer: The bone that surrounds and supports the tooth roots
Alveolar bone is the specialized bone that forms the tooth sockets (alveoli) and supports the teeth.
Question 6: The term 'xerostomia' refers to which condition?
- Excessive salivation
- Dry mouth due to reduced salivary flow (Correct answer)
- Inflammation of the salivary glands
- Salivary gland calcification
Correct answer: Dry mouth due to reduced salivary flow
Xerostomia is the subjective sensation of dry mouth, often caused by medications or systemic conditions affecting salivary glands.
Question 7: Which tooth surface faces the cheek?
- Lingual
- Palatal
- Buccal (Correct answer)
- Mesial
Correct answer: Buccal
The buccal surface of posterior teeth faces the cheek (bucca means cheek in Latin).
CDC Dental Terminology & Anatomy 2
Which anatomical landmark is the junction between the enamel and cementum on a tooth?