Dental Sciences Foundations Flashcards
6 cards from real NDAEB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Dental Sciences Foundations flashcards as text
Which muscle is primarily responsible for elevating the mandible during the closing phase of mastication?
Answer: Masseter
The masseter is the most powerful muscle of mastication and is primarily responsible for elevating (closing) the mandible. It originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts on the lateral surface of the mandibular ramus.
What is the function of the periodontal ligament in tooth support?
Answer: It acts as a shock absorber and anchors the tooth to alveolar bone through collagen fibers
The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a connective tissue structure that suspends the tooth in its socket, absorbs occlusal forces, and anchors the tooth to bone through Sharpey's fibers embedded in both cementum and alveolar bone.
Which cells in the dental pulp are responsible for forming secondary and reparative dentin throughout the life of the tooth?
Answer: Odontoblasts
Odontoblasts line the periphery of the dental pulp and continue to produce secondary dentin throughout life. When stimulated by caries or trauma, they produce reparative (tertiary) dentin as a protective response.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) contains a fibrocartilaginous disc. What is the primary function of this articular disc?
Answer: To divide the joint into superior and inferior compartments and distribute forces during jaw movement
The articular disc divides the TMJ into superior and inferior compartments, each with different movement functions. The disc distributes compressive forces across a larger area, protecting the bony surfaces during function.
What is the critical pH at which enamel demineralization begins to occur in the oral cavity?
Answer: 5.5
Enamel demineralization begins at approximately pH 5.5, known as the critical pH. Below this level, the oral environment becomes undersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite, and mineral loss from enamel occurs.
Which type of epithelium lines the hard palate and attached gingiva, making these tissues resistant to mechanical forces during mastication?
Answer: Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium covers the hard palate and attached gingiva (masticatory mucosa), providing a tough, protective surface resistant to the friction and pressure of chewing.