FREE NBDE Questions and Answers

Question 1

During the swallowing process, which nerve is responsible for elevating the soft palate?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve

Answer

The Vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X) innervates most of the muscles of the soft palate, pharynx, and larynx. Specifically, it supplies the levator veli palatini muscle, which is responsible for elevating the soft palate during swallowing (deglutition) to prevent food from entering the nasopharynx.

Question 2

The oral cavity is separated from which body cavity by the palatine bone of the mouth?

Accepted Answer

Nasal cavity

Answer

The hard palate, which forms the roof of the mouth, is primarily composed of the palatine processes of the maxillae and the horizontal plates of the palatine bones. This bony structure serves as a partition, effectively separating the oral cavity below from the nasal cavity above.

Question 3

Which vessels are responsible for supplying the buccal gingiva that covers tooth #3?

Accepted Answer

Posterior superior alveolar vessels

Answer

Tooth #3 is the maxillary right first molar. The posterior superior alveolar artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, supplies the maxillary molars and premolars, as well as the buccal gingiva in that region. Therefore, it is the correct vessel for supplying the buccal gingiva covering tooth #3.

Question 4

The surgeon notices considerable quantities of blood from the artery that runs medial to the neck of the mandibular 
condyle while healing an injury to the temporomandibular joint. What artery has been damaged?

Accepted Answer

Maxillary artery

Answer

The maxillary artery is a major branch of the external carotid artery and is located medial to the neck of the mandibular condyle. It supplies numerous structures in the deep face, including the temporomandibular joint region. Damage to this artery during trauma or surgery in this area would result in significant bleeding.

Question 5

When glycogen is degraded, which of the following compounds is primarily produced?

Accepted Answer

Glucose 1-Phosphate

Answer

Glycogen degradation, or glycogenolysis, is primarily catalyzed by glycogen phosphorylase. This enzyme breaks the alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds in glycogen, releasing glucose units as glucose 1-phosphate. Glucose 1-phosphate is then converted to glucose 6-phosphate for further metabolic use.

NBDE - National Board Dental Examination Practice Test

NBDE - National Board Dental Examination Practice Test

FREE NBDE Questions and Answers