HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which term describes the outer layer of alveolar bone growth?

1. Osteoblast

2. Cortical plate

3. Periodontal ligament

4. Cementum

The correct answer is: Cortical plate

The outer layer of alveolar bone growth is referred to as the cortical plate. This term describes the dense, compact bone that forms the outer layer of the alveolar bone, providing structural support and protection for the teeth. The cortical plate is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the dental arch and supporting the overall architecture of the jawbone. Osteoblasts play a vital role in bone formation but are not the term that identifies the outer layer itself. They are specialized cells responsible for synthesizing bone matrix and facilitating mineralization. The periodontal ligament, on the other hand, connects the teeth to the surrounding alveolar bone but does not describe the outer layer of bone. Cementum is a calcified tissue covering the roots of teeth, anchoring the periodontal ligament but is not involved in the description of alveolar bone growth specifically. Thus, the cortical plate is accurately identified as the correct term for the outer layer of alveolar bone growth.