Enamel Maturation — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: B — Matrix proteins and water are removed while apatite crystals widen and thicken
Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as C · E = shown as D · C = shown as E
A is correct. During maturation, enamel has already reached its final thickness. Matrix proteins are degraded and removed, and tissue water is progressively displaced as calcium and phosphate support growth of existing apatite crystals in width and thickness. This produces the high mineral content and hardness of mature enamel. Option D describes the earlier secretory stage, when Tomes’ processes establish rod and interrod enamel and ameloblasts secrete the bulk of the matrix. Mineral content increases rather than decreases, excluding B. Normal prism organisation is retained rather than becoming random, excluding C. Fluoride is not completely eliminated; it may enter and diffuse within developing enamel, so E is incorrect.
Reference: Robinson C. Enamel maturation: a brief background with implications for some enamel dysplasias. Frontiers in Physiology. 2014;5:388. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25339913/