Acellular vs Cellular Cementum — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — It contains no cementocytes and predominates on the cervical root surface
Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · A = shown as B · D = shown as C · E = shown as D · B = shown as E
A is correct. Acellular extrinsic fibre cementum lacks embedded cementocytes and is a relatively thin tissue that predominates on the cervical root surface, where inserted periodontal ligament fibres contribute to tooth attachment. Cellular cementum contains cementocytes within lacunae and is generally thicker, with its greatest distribution on apical and furcation surfaces. Thus, B describes cellular cementum, while C reverses the usual distribution. D is incorrect because acellular cementum begins forming during root development, rather than exclusively after eruption. E reverses the usual thickness relationship. Specifying acellular extrinsic fibre cementum removes potential ambiguity associated with less common acellular cementum subtypes.
Reference: Yamamoto T, Hasegawa T, Yamamoto T, Hongo H, Amizuka N. Histology of human cementum: Its structure, function, and development. Japanese Dental Science Review. 2016;52(3):63-74. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28408958/