Type III Collagen Pulp — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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

ModeratePhysiologyType III Collagen PulpMFDS Part 1

In a mature tooth, type I collagen is the major fibrous collagen of several tissues. In which of the following is type III collagen also a substantial component of the extracellular matrix?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Dental pulp

The correct answer is **A, dental pulp**. Pulp is a loose connective tissue whose extracellular matrix contains both type I and a substantial amount of type III collagen; biochemical analysis of human pulp has identified type III as approximately 43% of its collagen. However, type I—not type III—is the major pulpal fibrous collagen, so describing type III as the predominant collagen would be inaccurate. Mature dentine, cementum and alveolar bone are mineralised connective tissues whose organic matrices consist predominantly of type I collagen. Mature enamel contains no collagen because its organic matrix is largely removed during maturation. Thus, among the listed tissues, dental pulp is most characteristically associated with a substantial type III collagen component.

Reference: Linde A. The extracellular matrix of the dental pulp and dentin. Journal of Dental Research. 1985;64 Special Issue:523–529. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3857252/