Transseptal Fibres — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardPeriodontology PrinciplesTransseptal FibresMFDS Part 1

Histological examination of the healthy interdental periodontium shows dense collagen bundles running horizontally from the cervical cementum of one tooth, across the interdental septum coronal to the alveolar crest, to the cervical cementum of the adjacent tooth. Which fibre group is shown?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Transseptal fibres

The correct answer is B, transseptal fibres. These collagen bundles extend from the cervical cementum of one tooth to the cementum of the adjacent tooth, crossing the interdental area coronal to the alveolar crest. They form part of the supracrestal gingival fibre apparatus rather than the conventional tooth-to-bone principal periodontal ligament groups and help maintain interproximal relationships. Alveolar crest fibres pass between cervical cementum and the alveolar crest. Horizontal fibres run approximately at right angles from cementum to alveolar bone, whereas oblique fibres run diagonally between cementum and socket bone and are important in resisting intrusive forces. Apical fibres radiate from the root apex to the surrounding alveolar bone.

Reference: Becker A, Karnei-R'em R. The effects of infraocclusion: Part 1. Tilting of the adjacent teeth and local space loss. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. 1992;102(3):256–264. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1510051/