Anatomy, Physiology & Histology for ORE Part 1
Master head & neck anatomy, TMJ biomechanics, cranial nerve pathways, and tooth histology tested in ORE Part 1 Paper A.
Key Syllabus Concepts Tested in Anatomy, Physiology & Histology
- Pterygopalatine fossa, infratemporal fossa, and greater palatine canal anatomy
- CN V3 branches (Lingual, IAN, Mylohyoid) and CN VII facial nerve course through parotid gland
- TMJ biomechanics: upper compartment translation vs lower compartment rotation (0-20mm)
- Histology of dentin, pulp, and enamel matrix proteins (Amelogenin, Type I Collagen)
Sample SBA Practice Questions
Sample Question 1 (Paper A)
A patient presents with xerostomia and generalized dental erosion. When evaluating resting salivary function, what is considered the physiological pH range of healthy human saliva?
- 5.0 – 5.8
- 7.4 – 8.0
- 5.8 – 7.4
- 4.5 – 5.5
✅ Correct Answer: 5.8 – 7.4
Explanation: Healthy human saliva maintains a physiological pH between 5.8 and 7.4, buffered primarily by bicarbonate, phosphate, and protein systems.
Clinical Pearl: Healthy saliva pH is 5.8–7.4; bicarbonate is the main buffer system in stimulated saliva.
Sample Question 2 (Paper A)
During an intraoral examination of the floor of the mouth, the clinician identifies the sublingual papillae (Wharton's duct openings) situated on either side of which median structure?
- Lingual frenulum of the ventral tongue
- Median lingual sulcus of the tongue dorsum
- Sublingual fold overlying the sublingual gland
- Median glosso-epiglottic fold at the tongue base
✅ Correct Answer: Lingual frenulum of the ventral tongue
Explanation: The submandibular (Wharton's) ducts discharge into the oral cavity at the sublingual papillae located on either side of the base of the lingual frenulum.
Clinical Pearl: Clindamycin predisposes to C. difficile colitis; present as severe watery diarrhea post-antibiotics.
Sample Question 3 (Paper A)
The lingual nerve lies in close proximity to the lingual cortical plate of the mandible in the region of which tooth, making it vulnerable during surgical extractions?
- Mandibular second molar
- Mandibular second premolar
- Mandibular third molar
- Mandibular first molar
✅ Correct Answer: Mandibular third molar
Explanation: The lingual nerve courses along the lingual aspect of the mandibular third molar region, often separated from the oral cavity by thin mucosa and periosteum.
Clinical Pearl: NHS dental prescriptions in England use yellow FP10(D) forms restricted to the DPF.
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