Enamel Structural Features — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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EasyAnatomy (Head & Neck)Enamel Structural FeaturesMFDS Part 1

Hunter-Schreger bands, striae of Retzius and perikymata are all structural features of which dental tissue?

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Correct answer: C — Enamel

The correct answer is C, enamel. Hunter-Schreger bands are alternating optical bands produced by changes in the orientation and decussation of groups of enamel prisms. Striae of Retzius are long-period incremental growth markings within enamel, while perikymata are the grooves and ridges formed where these incremental markings reach the external enamel surface. Dentine instead contains dentinal tubules and incremental lines such as those of von Ebner and Owen. Cementum may show incremental lines of Salter. Pulp and the periodontal ligament are soft connective tissues and do not contain these mineralised enamel structures.

Reference: Lynch CD et al. Hunter-Schreger Band patterns in human tooth enamel. Journal of Anatomy. 2010;217:106–115. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20579171/; Shellis RP. Utilization of periodic markings in enamel to obtain information on tooth growth. Journal of Human Evolution. 1998;35:387–400. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9774501/