Medical Terminology & Anatomy Flashcards

The term 'proximal' when referring to tooth surfaces means the surface that is:

Answer: Adjacent to a neighboring tooth

Proximal surfaces (mesial and distal) are the sides of the tooth that face neighboring teeth.

Which of the following correctly defines the term 'etiology'?

Answer: The study or cause of a disease

Etiology refers to the cause or origin of a disease or condition.

The masseter muscle is primarily responsible for:

Answer: Elevating the mandible during mastication

The masseter is one of the primary muscles of mastication, elevating the mandible to close the mouth.

The term 'furcation' in dental anatomy describes the area where:

Answer: Multiple roots divide from a single tooth

Furcation is the anatomical area where the roots of a multi-rooted tooth branch apart.

The suffix '-plasty' in a term like 'gingivoplasty' means:

Answer: Surgical reshaping or repair

The suffix '-plasty' means surgical repair or reshaping, so gingivoplasty is surgical reshaping of the gingiva.

The zygomatic arch is a bony structure of the:

Answer: Skull, forming the cheekbone prominence

The zygomatic arch forms the prominent cheekbone structure of the skull, articulating the zygomatic and temporal bones.

In dental terminology, 'iatrogenic' damage refers to harm caused by:

Answer: A dental treatment or procedure

Iatrogenic means caused by medical or dental treatment, from the Greek 'iatros' (physician) and 'genesis' (origin).