Anatomy Identification Flashcards
High-Yield Landmarks for the RHS Exam
Practice identifying these structures. On the exam, ask yourself: Is it Radiopaque (White) or Radiolucent (Dark)?
Arch 1: Maxillary (Upper) Landmarks
Radiolucent (Dark)
Pea-shaped opening between the roots of the maxillary central incisors.
Radiolucent (Dark)
Large dark cavities located above the roots of maxillary premolars and molars.
Radiopaque (White)
J-shaped or U-shaped dense bone located above the maxillary first molar.
Arch 2: Mandibular (Lower) Landmarks
Radiolucent (Dark)
Small circular hole near the roots of the mandibular premolars.
Radiolucent (Dark)
Tiny dark “pinpoint” in the center of the Genial Tubercles (Lower Incisors).
Radiolucent (Dark)
Dark horizontal band outlined by thin white lines traveling below molar roots.
Arch 3: Tooth Structures
Radiopaque (White)
The dense wall of the tooth socket; appears as a thin white line around the root.
Radiolucent (Dark)
Periodontal Ligament space; thin dark line between the root and the Lamina Dura.
🚨 TOP EXAM TRICK: Foramen vs. Pathology
The Mental Foramen is often mistaken for a periapical abscess because it sits near the apex of premolars.
How to tell: If the Lamina Dura around the root is intact (unbroken), it is likely a natural landmark (Foramen), not an infection.