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Interglobular Dentine — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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HardPhysiologyInterglobular DentineMFDS Part 1

During dentinogenesis, globular mineralisation fronts are visible within circumpulpal dentine. A ground section shows irregular regions persisting between adjacent globules, without caries or evidence of pulpal injury. Which description best identifies these regions?

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Correct answer: E — Unmineralised or hypomineralised matrix between calcospherites that have failed to coalesce

Option E describes interglobular dentine: organic dentine matrix remains unmineralised or hypomineralised where adjacent calcospherites fail to fuse during globular mineralisation. The regions are therefore developmental mineralisation defects rather than true empty spaces. Option A describes dentinal sclerosis, in which mineral deposition narrows or obliterates tubules. Option B describes dead tracts caused by loss of odontoblastic processes. Option C represents carious bacterial invasion, which is excluded by the stem. Option D describes tertiary, particularly reparative, dentine formed at the pulp–dentine interface after injury. Interglobular dentine may be prominent in disorders affecting vitamin D, calcium or phosphate metabolism, including hypophosphataemic rickets, but it is not specific for vitamin D deficiency.

Reference: Salmon B et al. Abnormal osteopontin and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein localization, and odontoblast differentiation, in X-linked hypophosphatemic teeth. Connective Tissue Research. 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25158186/