Dental Assistant Practice Exam

In terms of anatomy, what serves as the bony socket for teeth?

1. Cementum

2. Alveolar Process

3. Mandible

4. Gingiva

The correct answer is: Alveolar Process

The alveolar process is the term used to describe the bony ridge found in both the upper and lower jaws that contains the sockets (alveoli) for the teeth. This anatomical structure supports teeth and is crucial for their stability and alignment within the oral cavity. The alveolar process is composed of compact bone and is part of both the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw), providing the necessary support for the roots of the teeth. Cementum, while an important part of tooth structure, covers the roots of teeth and serves to anchor them within their sockets; it does not itself form the socket. The mandible is the entire lower jawbone that supports the lower teeth but is not specific to the area where the teeth sit. Gingiva refers to the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth and covers the alveolar process, but it does not serve as a bony structure. Thus, the most accurate choice is the alveolar process, as it is specifically the part of the jaw that forms the bony sockets for teeth.