Dentine Incremental Lines — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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

HardAnatomy (Head & Neck)Dentine Incremental LinesMFDS Part 1

A ground section of a tooth contains both short-period incremental lines of von Ebner and longer-period incremental lines of Andresen. Which tissue is being examined?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Dentine

The correct answer is C, dentine. Lines of von Ebner are short-period incremental markings formed during dentinogenesis; their spacing varies with anatomical site and formation rate, so approximately 4 micrometres should not be presented as a universal value. Andresen lines are longer-period incremental markings in dentine, reported in human teeth at average spacings of approximately 15–30 micrometres. Enamel instead displays prism cross-striations and striae of Retzius, with perikymata as their surface expression. Cementum has its own incremental lines, commonly termed lines of Salter, while bone has lamellar and remodelling-related lines. Cartilage does not contain these dental incremental markings.

Reference: Emken S, Witzel C, Kierdorf U, et al. Characterization of short-period and long-period incremental markings in porcine enamel and dentine—Results of a fluorochrome labelling study in wild boar and domestic pigs. Journal of Anatomy. 2021;239:1207–1220. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34240412/