Hunter-Schreger Bands — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModeratePhysiologyHunter-Schreger BandsMFDS Part 1

On a longitudinal ground section of human enamel viewed in reflected light, alternating light and dark bands are visible. They result from synchronous changes in direction (decussation) of groups of enamel prisms. What are these bands called?

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Correct answer: D — Hunter-Schreger bands

The correct answer is D, Hunter-Schreger bands. These are alternating light and dark optical bands seen particularly in reflected light and produced by changes in the orientation and decussation of groups of enamel prisms. Striae of Retzius are incremental growth lines within enamel; their surface manifestations are perikymata. Enamel tufts are hypomineralised, brush-like structures arising at the amelodentinal junction. Enamel spindles are short extensions into enamel resulting from odontoblastic processes becoming incorporated across the amelodentinal junction. The decisive features are therefore the alternating optical appearance and the changing orientation of groups of prisms.

Reference: Lynch CD, O'Sullivan VR, Dockery P, et al. Hunter-Schreger Band patterns and their implications for clinical dentistry. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. 2011;38(5):359–365. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20939845/