HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What characterizes a myoma?

1. A neoplasm characterized by muscle cells

2. A benign tumor in the skin

3. An infection of the muscle tissue

4. An inflammatory response in muscle

The correct answer is: A neoplasm characterized by muscle cells

A myoma is characterized as a neoplasm composed primarily of muscle cells. These tumors are typically benign and can develop in various muscle tissues, with the most common types being leiomyomas, which arise from smooth muscle, and rhabdomyomas, which originate from striated muscle. The defining feature of a myoma is its composition of muscle tissue, distinguishing it from other types of tumors or conditions that may affect muscle. In contrast, a benign tumor in the skin does not relate to the muscle tissue specifically and would thus not qualify as a myoma. An infection of muscle tissue refers to a condition like myositis, which is different in nature and does not involve the formation of a neoplasm. An inflammatory response in muscle may also occur due to various conditions but is not synonymous with a myoma, as myomas are not inflammatory processes. Therefore, the clarity of definition surrounding muscle-derived neoplasms distinctly identifies option A as the correct characterization of a myoma.