Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question
The posterior palatal seal of a maxillary complete denture terminates in what type of tissue?
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Correct answer: C. Non-keratinized mucosa containing minor salivary glands
- A. Incorrect. Non-keratinized gingival tissue is around natural teeth — not the posterior palate.
- B. Incorrect. Keratinized mucosa over cancellous bone describes the anterior hard palate — not the vibrating line area.
- C. Correct. The posterior palatal seal area (vibrating line / ah line) is located at the junction of the hard and soft palate. This tissue is NON-KERATINIZED (masticatory mucosa ends at the vibrating line) and contains MINOR SALIVARY GLANDS. The resilient nature of this tissue allows for the creation of an effective posterior palatal seal.
- D. Incorrect. The major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, sublingual) are not at the posterior palate. The hard palate has minor palatal salivary glands.
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