Oral Biology Flashcards
6 cards from real MFDS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Oral Biology flashcards as text
Which growth factor is most critical for the initiation of tooth development?
Answer: FGF-8
FGF-8 (fibroblast growth factor 8) is expressed in the oral epithelium and is one of the earliest signals initiating tooth development.
The epithelial cell rests of Malassez are remnants of which structure?
Answer: Hertwig's epithelial root sheath
After root formation, fragments of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath persist in the periodontal ligament as the epithelial cell rests of Malassez.
What is the approximate pH at which enamel begins to demineralise?
Answer: 5.5
The critical pH for enamel demineralisation is approximately 5.5, below which the oral environment becomes undersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite.
Which component of saliva provides the primary antimicrobial defence against oral bacteria?
Answer: Secretory IgA
Secretory IgA is the predominant immunoglobulin in saliva and acts by aggregating bacteria and blocking their adhesion to oral surfaces.
Which stage of tooth development is characterised by proliferation of the enamel organ into a cap shape?
Answer: Cap stage
During the cap stage the enamel organ expands and differentiates into inner and outer enamel epithelium, stellate reticulum and stratum intermedium.
What is the primary function of the stratum intermedium in the developing tooth?
Answer: Support of ameloblast function
The stratum intermedium is thought to support the metabolic activity of the inner enamel epithelium (ameloblasts) via enzyme activity and gap junction communication.