Cells responsible for ROOT RESORPTION in physiologic primary tooth exfoliation are:

Correct answer: A. Odontoclasts

• A. Correct. ODONTOCLASTS are specialized multinucleated giant cells (similar to osteoclasts but with dental specificity) responsible for the resorption of primary TOOTH ROOT STRUCTURE (cementum and dentin) during physiologic exfoliation. They are the cells that progressively remove the roots of primary teeth to allow normal shedding.
• B. Incorrect. Odontoblasts produce DENTIN — they do not resorb it. Odontoblasts are found in the pulp periphery.
• C. Incorrect. Osteoblasts BUILD bone — they do not resorb root structure.
• D. Incorrect. Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells that resorb BONE — they are involved in alveolar bone resorption around primary teeth. However, ROOT RESORPTION specifically is attributed to odontoclasts.