HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What describes a heterogenous transplantation?

1. Transfer of a tooth from one patient

2. Transfer of a tooth from one species to another

3. Transfer of a tooth within the same patient

4. Transfer of a tooth involving no biological tissue

The correct answer is: Transfer of a tooth from one species to another

A heterogenous transplantation, also known as xenografting, refers to the transfer of biological material between different species. In this context, it involves the transfer of a tooth from one species to another, which exemplifies the concept of heterogeneity in biological compatibility. This concept is particularly relevant in certain dental procedures or research where tissues from animals (like pigs or cows) might be utilized in human applications. The other options pertain to different types of transplants: transferring a tooth from one patient typically indicates an allograft (same species), transplanting a tooth within the same patient refers to an autograft (same person), and a transfer involving no biological tissue suggests a non-tissue-based procedure, which does not involve transplantation in the context of biological grafting. Understanding the distinct definitions of these transplantation types helps clarify why the scenario concerning different species fits the definition of a heterogenous transplantation.