National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the National Dental Assisting Exam with comprehensive quiz questions, including multiple choice and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success!

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What is a broad term used to describe abnormal tissues in the oral cavity?

Lesion
Inflammation
Tumor
Cyst

The correct answer is: Lesion

The term "lesion" is used as a broad descriptor for any abnormal tissue change in the oral cavity. It encompasses a wide range of conditions, including sores, ulcers, cysts, tumors, and other alterations to the tissue structure. This term is particularly useful because it does not specify the nature of the abnormality, allowing healthcare professionals to communicate about various forms of tissue changes before determining their specific characteristics or underlying causes. Inflammation, while related to abnormal changes in the tissues, specifically refers to the body’s response to injury or infection and does not cover all abnormal tissue conditions. Similarly, "tumor" refers specifically to an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant, limiting its scope compared to "lesion." A "cyst" refers specifically to a fluid-filled sac that can occur in various tissues; like tumor, it is more specific and does not encompass the full range of abnormal tissues that could present in the oral cavity. Thus, "lesion" is the most encompassing term for various abnormalities in oral tissues.