Cementoblast Function — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: C — Cementoblasts
Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · C = shown as B · A = shown as C · E = shown as D · B = shown as E
The correct answer is A (Cementoblasts). Cementoblasts are specialised mesenchymal cells located within the periodontal ligament that produce, secrete and mineralise the cementum—the mineralised tissue layer covering the tooth root that enables attachment of the periodontal ligament and anchors the tooth in the alveolar bone. Osteoblasts (B) form bone, not cementum, although they share some molecular markers with cementoblasts. Osteoclasts (C) resorb bone and mineralised tissues and play no role in cementum formation. Fibroblasts (D) are general connective tissue cells in the PDL; while PDL fibroblasts can differentiate into cementoblasts under appropriate stimuli, they are not the primary cementum-forming cells. Odontoblasts (E) form dentin and are not located in the periodontal ligament. This is fundamental periodontal anatomy tested at ORE Part 1 level.
Reference: Galectin-3 Plays an Important Role in BMP7-Induced Cementoblastic Differentiation of Human Periodontal Ligament Cells. PubMed Central, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10313471/