In RPD design, which component supports the denture base and prevents movement during function?

The major connector plays a crucial role in the design of removable partial dentures (RPDs) by providing support to the denture base and maintaining stability during function. It serves as the foundational framework that connects various components of the RPD, including the other connectors and the denture base itself. This stability is essential because it helps distribute occlusal forces evenly across the dental arch, preventing movement that could result in discomfort or inefficiency while biting and chewing.

The major connector also helps connect the components on one side of the arch with those on the opposite side, reinforcing the overall structure of the denture and ensuring a secure fit in the mouth. For effective function, the major connector should be designed to suit the anatomical features of the patient's mouth, taking into consideration factors such as the palate or lingual area, where it is typically located.

Other components, while important in their own right, do not provide the same level of overall support and stabilization as the major connector. For instance, minor connectors are designed to link various components, and direct retainers aid in the retention of the denture, but neither offers the foundational support necessary to prevent movement during function. Resilient attachments allow for some movement and flexibility, which might not be desirable in