Dental Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards
6 cards from real MJDF 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 Anatomy & Physiology flashcards as text
What is the nerve supply to the maxillary premolars?
Answer: Posterior and middle superior alveolar nerves (branches of V2)
The maxillary premolars are innervated by the posterior superior alveolar nerve (first premolar roots) and middle superior alveolar nerve, both branches of the maxillary division (V2) of the trigeminal nerve.
Which muscle is the primary elevator of the mandible during mastication?
Answer: Masseter
The masseter is the most powerful mandibular elevator and is the primary muscle of jaw closure; it works with the temporalis and medial pterygoid during normal mastication.
What is the clinical significance of the mental foramen position relative to the premolars?
Answer: Located between the roots of the lower premolars; risk of injury during surgery in this region
The mental foramen typically opens between the apices of the lower premolars (or at the second premolar root apex); proximity to surgical procedures and tooth extraction in this area risks mental nerve damage.
What is the composition of dentinal tubules and their relevance to restorative dentistry?
Answer: Fluid-filled channels containing odontoblast processes; important for bonding and sensitivity
Dentinal tubules contain dentinal fluid and odontoblast processes; their patency affects bond strength (smear layer management), sensitivity (fluid movement), and pulp protection strategies.
What is the normal range of pH at which enamel begins to demineralise (the critical pH)?
Answer: 5.5
The critical pH for enamel demineralisation is approximately 5.5; below this, the oral environment becomes undersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite and demineralisation proceeds.
Which anatomical feature of the mandibular first molar makes endodontic access most challenging?
Answer: Variable canal configuration including a C-shaped or additional distolingual (DL) canal
Lower first molars commonly have variable anatomy including a distolingual (fifth) root or C-shaped canals, making thorough canal identification and debridement challenging.