Start practicing

Periodontics · single question

Which immune cell is MOST characteristic of the EARLY LESION in gingivitis (per Page and Schroeder classification)?

  1. Plasma cells
  2. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs)
  3. Mast cells
  4. Macrophages
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs)

  • A. Incorrect. Plasma cells predominate in the ESTABLISHED and ADVANCED lesion (periodontitis).
  • B. Correct. PMNs (neutrophils) are the PREDOMINANT cells in the EARLY lesion (days 2–4 of plaque accumulation). They migrate into the junctional epithelium and connective tissue in response to bacterial plaque. As gingivitis progresses to 'established lesion,' plasma cells predominate.
  • C. Incorrect. Mast cells play a role in initial vascular changes but are not the characteristically predominant cell type.
  • D. Incorrect. Macrophages become more prominent in established and advanced periodontal lesions.

Practice Periodontics questions Periodontics study notes

More Periodontics practice questions