HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which bone forms the sockets for the teeth?

1. Mandibular Bone

2. Cortical Bone

3. Alveolar Bone

4. Skeletal Bone

The correct answer is: Alveolar Bone

The alveolar bone is specifically designed to form the sockets, or alveoli, for the teeth. This specialized part of the jawbone directly supports the roots of the teeth and provides both structural stability and anchorage, ensuring that the teeth remain securely in place during functioning, such as chewing and biting. The other options refer to different types of bone or broader anatomical terms. The mandibular bone, for example, refers to the entire lower jawbone, which includes the alveolar bone but is not limited to the teeth sockets. Cortical bone is a dense outer layer of bone that provides strength and support throughout the skeleton but does not specifically indicate the tooth-supporting aspect. Skeletal bone is a general term for all bones in the human body and does not specify any particular function related to dental structures. Hence, alveolar bone is the most accurate choice for the formation of tooth sockets.