HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Fordyce granules are characterized as collections of what?

1. Cutaneous blood vessels

2. Ectopic sebaceous glands

3. Soft tissue lesions

4. Indurated patches

The correct answer is: Ectopic sebaceous glands

Fordyce granules are characterized as collections of ectopic sebaceous glands. These granules are small, painless, pale bumps that can appear on the inside of the cheeks, gums, and lips. They result from the sebaceous glands being located in areas where they are not typically found, hence the term "ectopic." The presence of Fordyce granules is quite common and generally considered a normal anatomical variation rather than a pathological condition. Their visibility is due to the sebaceous glands producing sebum, which can accumulate in these areas. Understanding this unique characteristic of Fordyce granules helps distinguish them from other types of oral lesions, which may have different underlying causes or implications.