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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Dental Anatomy Quiz & Basic Sciences Practice

Quick, free basic dental sciences quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Satya SuchakUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting a dental anatomy and basic sciences knowledge quiz.

Use this dental anatomy quiz to review tooth structures and the basic sciences behind them in 15 quick MCQs. You will see what you know, find gaps, and get instant feedback. For extra practice, try the anatomical terminology quiz, check your knowledge with the cranial nerves quiz, or refresh foundations in the chemistry of life quiz.

What is the hardest substance in the human body that covers the crown of a tooth?
Enamel
Dentin
Cementum
Pulp
Enamel is the hardest mineralized tissue in the human body and covers the tooth crown. Its high mineral content of hydroxyapatite crystals gives it remarkable hardness.
Which dental tissue contains blood vessels and nerves within the tooth?
Dentin
Cementum
Pulp
Enamel
The dental pulp is the innermost connective tissue of the tooth, housing blood vessels and nerves. It provides nutrition and sensory function to the tooth.
The boundary where enamel meets cementum on a tooth is known as the:
Root apex
Dentinoenamel junction (DEJ)
Cementoenamel junction (CEJ)
Pulp chamber
The cementoenamel junction (CEJ) is where the enamel covering the crown meets the cementum on the root. It marks the transition between crown and root surfaces.
Which gingival tissue is tightly bound to the underlying alveolar bone?
Alveolar mucosa
Junctional epithelium
Free gingiva
Attached gingiva
Attached gingiva is bound firmly to the alveolar bone and cementum, providing tissue stability. It helps resist mechanical forces during mastication.
What is the raised area on the lingual surface of anterior teeth called?
Oblique ridge
Marginal ridge
Transverse ridge
Cingulum
The cingulum is the convex protuberance found on the lingual surface of anterior teeth at the cervical third. It contributes to the tooth's contour and function.
What is the primary mineral component of tooth enamel?
Keratin
Hydroxyapatite
Proteoglycan
Collagen
Enamel is composed of about 96% hydroxyapatite crystals by weight, making it highly mineralized and extremely hard. This crystalline structure is responsible for enamel's durability.
A patient complains of sensitivity near the gum line; exposure of which dental tissue is most likely causing this sensitivity?
Dentin
Cementum
Pulp
Enamel
Dentin contains microscopic tubules that, when exposed to the oral environment, transmit thermal and tactile stimuli to the pulp. This dentinal exposure often results from loss of overlying enamel or cementum.
Salivary secretion is primarily stimulated by which division of the autonomic nervous system?
Enteric
Somatic
Parasympathetic
Sympathetic
Parasympathetic stimulation leads to increased watery saliva secretion through muscarinic receptor activation. Sympathetic input produces smaller volumes of viscous saliva.
Which division of the trigeminal nerve provides sensory innervation to the maxillary teeth?
Mandibular (V3)
Facial (VII)
Maxillary (V2)
Ophthalmic (V1)
The maxillary division (V2) of the trigeminal nerve carries sensory fibers to the maxillary teeth. It branches into superior alveolar nerves that innervate the upper dentition.
Which artery supplies the mandibular molars?
Lingual artery
Inferior alveolar artery
Buccal artery
Facial artery
The inferior alveolar artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, enters the mandibular foramen and supplies the mandibular teeth, including the molars. Dental branches extend from it to the roots.
Which type of oral mucosa is nonkeratinized and lines the inner cheeks and lips?
Masticatory mucosa
Specialized mucosa
Gingival mucosa
Lining mucosa
Lining mucosa is nonkeratinized and found on the inner cheeks, lips, and floor of the mouth. It is more flexible than masticatory mucosa, which is keratinized.
In Angle's classification of occlusion, a Class I molar relationship is described by:
Distobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar in the mandibular groove
Mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar aligned with the mesiobuccal groove of the mandibular first molar
Mesiobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar in the maxillary groove
Maxillary first molar completely posterior to mandibular first molar
In Class I occlusion, the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar aligns with the mesiobuccal groove of the mandibular first molar. This alignment defines normal molar relationship.
Which major salivary gland produces predominantly serous secretion?
Sublingual gland
Minor salivary glands
Parotid gland
Submandibular gland
The parotid gland secretes a primarily serous, enzyme-rich fluid. Submandibular and sublingual glands produce mixed or mucous-rich secretions.
What is the primary protein component of dentin?
Elastin
Type II collagen
Type I collagen
Keratin
Dentin matrix is composed predominantly of Type I collagen fibers, which provide tensile strength. The collagen framework is mineralized with hydroxyapatite.
Which muscle forms the muscular floor of the mouth?
Mylohyoid
Stylohyoid
Digastric
Hyoglossus
The paired mylohyoid muscles form the muscular floor of the mouth, spanning from the mandible to the hyoid bone. They elevate the floor of the mouth during swallowing.
Enamel is derived embryologically from which germ layer?
Neural crest
Mesoderm
Endoderm
Ectoderm
Enamel originates from the oral ectoderm via the enamel organ. Neural crest cells contribute to dental papilla and dentin, but not enamel.
The anterior superior alveolar artery is a branch of which larger vessel?
Ascending palatine artery
Maxillary artery
Infraorbital artery
Facial artery
The infraorbital artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, gives rise to the anterior superior alveolar arteries. These supply the maxillary incisors and canines.
What are the alternating light and dark bands seen in enamel under polarized light called?
Enamel lamellae
Hunter-Schreger bands
Enamel spindles
Striae of Retzius
Hunter-Schreger bands are optical phenomena in enamel, caused by changes in enamel rod orientation. They appear as alternating light and dark bands under polarized light.
Taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue is carried by which cranial nerve?
Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
Trigeminal nerve (V)
Vagus nerve (X)
Facial nerve (VII)
The chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve (VII) carries taste fibers from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. General sensation is via the lingual nerve (V3).
The articular disc of the temporomandibular joint is composed primarily of which tissue type?
Fibrocartilage
Hyaline cartilage
Dense regular connective tissue
Elastic cartilage
The temporomandibular joint disc is made of fibrocartilage, which contains both type I collagen and proteoglycans, providing resilience and resistance to compressive forces.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse tooth morphology and structures of the oral cavity.
  2. Identify dental tissue types and their basic functions.
  3. Apply foundational physiology concepts to dental scenarios.
  4. Evaluate craniofacial anatomical relationships in clinical contexts.
  5. Master terminology for dental anatomy and basic sciences.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Anatomy of a Tooth - Dive into the layers of your chompers: the shiny enamel-coated crown, the sturdy dentin core, and the hidden root sheathed in cementum. Deep inside, the pulp cavity is like a mini-lab, housing nerves and blood vessels that keep your teeth alive and sensitive. Fun fact: enamel is even tougher than your bones!
  2. Types of Oral Mucosa - Explore the three mucosa zones lining the mouth: masticatory (hard palate and gums) for toughness, lining (cheeks, lips, floor of mouth) for flexibility, and specialized (tongue) for taste and texture. Each one's got a unique protective and sensory gig to help you chew and savor every bite. Imagine them as your mouth's customized armor and sensors!
  3. Major Salivary Glands - Meet your saliva squad: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, all working together to keep your mouth moist and start digestion. Remember the mnemonic "Please Stop Salivating" to lock in Parotid, Submandibular, Sublingual. They're your built-in cleaning crew and digestive helpers!
  4. Muscles of the Tongue - The tongue's shape-shifters (intrinsic muscles) tweak its form, while the movers (extrinsic muscles) let it reach, push, and taste. Use the fun tip "Geniuses Have Style and Palate" to remember genioglossus, hyoglossus, styloglossus, and palatoglossus. Together, they turn your tongue into a superhero of speech and chewing!
  5. Innervation of the Oral Cavity - Your mouth's feeler is the trigeminal nerve (CN V), sending sensory signals of touch and pain, while the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) takes charge of tongue movements. And yes, "Trigeminal feels, Hypoglossal moves" is a killer memory hook. It's like a backstage pass for how your mouth talks back to your brain!
  6. Function of the Palate - Think of the hard palate as the rigid roof of your mouth and the soft palate as a flexible gate that seals off your nose when you swallow. Together, they stop food from sneaking into your sinuses and keep your speech sounding crisp. It's the mouth's VIP bouncer!
  7. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) - The TMJ is your jaw's hinge and slider, letting you chew, speak, and yawn without a hitch. It's the only movable joint in the skull, so treat it well - overuse or misalignment can lead to that infamous TMJ click or ache. It's basically the key to keeping your munching machine smooth!
  8. Composition of Saliva - Saliva is a cocktail of enzymes like amylase that kick-start carb digestion and antimicrobial proteins that guard against bacteria. It's your mouth's secret weapon for taste, cleanup, and immune defense all rolled into one. Next time you drool, think "power drink!"
  9. Gag Reflex - This sneeze-like response keeps uninvited objects out of your throat, courtesy of the glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and vagus (CN X) nerves. It's basically your body's "keep out" sign - triggered automatically to protect your airway. A natural bouncer, if you will!
  10. Dental Terminology Mastery - Brush up on key terms like occlusion (tooth alignment), gingiva (gum tissue), and alveolar bone (the jaw bone supporting your teeth). A strong glossary gives you the power to decode any dental chart or lecture. Vocabulary is your secret dental superpower!
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