Free Dental Hygiene Board Exam Sample Questions

See why TrueLearn is a trusted resource for hundreds of dental hygiene learners. At TrueLearn, we understand that it’s all about the content. That’s why we have high-yield dental hygiene practice questions written and screened by high-performing dental hygienist authors that are updated on a regular basis to ensure our SmartBanks stay up-to-date with exam blueprint changes. See what we mean with the below sample question.

Your First Free Dental Hygiene Board Sample Question

In which primary lymphoid organ do T-lymphocytes mature?

A. Spleen
B. Kidney
C. Thymus
D. Bone marrow
E. Lymph nodes

Answer and Explanation

Lymphocytes, like other white blood cells, are derived from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. The T-lymphocytes travel to the thymus, a primary lymphoid organ located in the chest above the heart. There, the T-lymphocytes mature and subsequently enter the bloodstream. T-lymphocytes are the primary cells involved in cell-mediated immunity. In contrast, B-lymphocyte maturation occurs in the bone marrow, and they are the primary cells involved in humoral (antibody-mediated) immunity.

Did you get it right? The correct answer is: C

Incorrect Answer Explanations

Answer A: The spleen is a secondary lymphoid organ, not a primary one. It is a large organ located in the abdominal cavity that functions to filter the blood and trap blood-borne particles to be assessed by other cells of the immune system.

Answer B: The kidneys are not involved in the maturation of T-lymphocytes. They are two bean-shaped organs located just below the rib cage on each side of your spine. The kidneys help to filter your blood, removing waste and excess water to make urine. Many drugs are excreted via the kidneys.

Answer D: The bone marrow is the primary lymphoid organ for B-lymphocyte maturation, not for T-cell lymphocyte maturation. B-lymphocytes are the primary cells involved in humoral (antibody-mediated) immunity.

Answer E: The lymph nodes are secondary lymphoid tissues, not primary lymphoid organs. Lymph nodes lie at the junctions of lymphatic vessels, where cells of the immune system such as macrophages and dendritic cells trap particles that enter the lymphatic system.

Bottom Line

T-lymphocytes mature in the thymus, the central lymphoid organ located in the upper chest.

For more information, see:

Ibsen O, Phelan J. Immunity and immunologic oral lesions. In: Oral Pathology for the Dental Hygienist. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2018.

Willey JM, Sherwood LM, Woolverton CJ, eds. Innate host resistance. In: Prescott’s Microbiology. 10th ed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2017.

Get More Free Sample Questions

Ready for more dental hygiene board exam sample questions? Sign-up for a free trial of TrueLearn’s SmartBank.