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Periodontium Components — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPhysiologyPeriodontium ComponentsMFDS Part 1

Which option lists the four principal components of the periodontium?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: BGingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as B · D = shown as C · B = shown as D · C = shown as E

The correct answer is A. The periodontium is the tooth-supporting tissue complex comprising the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar bone. Cementum covers the root surface, while the periodontal ligament connects it to the surrounding alveolar bone and helps distribute functional forces; the gingiva forms the surrounding soft-tissue component. Enamel, dentine and pulp are components of the tooth itself rather than the periodontium, excluding B, D and E. Mucosa, submucosa and periosteum are general anatomical tissue layers or coverings and do not constitute the four principal periodontal components, excluding C.

Reference: Yagasaki L, Chiba T, Kurimoto R, et al. The essential role of Mkx in periodontal ligament on the metabolism of alveolar bone and cementum. Regenerative Therapy. 2024;25:186–193. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38230307/