Knowledge Flashcards

Which of the following is the primary buffer system in saliva?

Answer: Bicarbonate-carbonic acid system

The bicarbonate-carbonic acid system is the dominant salivary buffer, especially at high flow rates, neutralizing acids produced by oral bacteria.

The cell-rich zone of Höhl in the dental pulp is located:

Answer: Immediately beneath the cell-free zone

The cell-rich zone of Höhl lies immediately beneath the acellular cell-free zone of Weil and contains fibroblasts and undifferentiated mesenchymal cells.

Which landmark is used to locate the mental foramen during a mental nerve block?

Answer: Between the first and second mandibular premolars

The mental foramen is typically located between the apices of the first and second mandibular premolars, slightly below the apices.

Which histologic feature is pathognomonic of ameloblastoma?

Answer: Stellate reticulum-like cells within follicles lined by palisaded columnar cells

Ameloblastoma mimics the enamel organ with peripheral palisaded columnar cells and a central stellate reticulum pattern in follicular arrangements.

During mandibular development, Meckel's cartilage primarily:

Answer: Serves as a template that is later replaced by intramembranous ossification

Meckel's cartilage acts as a scaffold alongside which the mandible forms by intramembranous ossification; the cartilage itself mostly disappears.

Which complement pathway is activated by antigen-antibody complexes?

Answer: Classical pathway

The classical complement pathway is initiated by C1q binding to antigen-antibody (IgG or IgM) complexes on pathogen surfaces.

A radiolucent lesion at the apex of a vital tooth most likely represents:

Answer: Periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia (early stage)

Early periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia presents as a radiolucency at the apex of vital teeth, most commonly mandibular anterior teeth in middle-aged women.