Medical Terminology & Anatomy Flashcards

The parotid gland, the largest salivary gland, is located:

Answer: In front of and below the ear

The parotid gland is positioned anterior and inferior to the ear, draining into the mouth via Stensen's duct.

Which term refers to the lower jaw and its associated structures?

Answer: Mandibular

Mandibular refers to the mandible (lower jaw), while maxillary refers to the maxilla (upper jaw).

The term 'resorption' in the context of alveolar bone refers to:

Answer: Loss of bone structure due to biological processes

Resorption is the physiological or pathological breakdown and loss of bone or root structure.

The prefix 'endo-' as in 'endodontics' means:

Answer: Within or inside

Endo- means within; endodontics is the branch of dentistry dealing with the inside of the tooth (pulp).

In anatomical terminology, 'superior' describes a structure that is:

Answer: Above or toward the top of the head

Superior means above or toward the head end of the body, the opposite of inferior.

The trigeminal nerve (CN V) is clinically important in dentistry because it:

Answer: Provides sensory innervation to the teeth and most of the face

The trigeminal nerve (CN V) is the primary sensory nerve for the teeth, jaws, and face, making it central to dental anesthesia.

The term 'caries' refers to which dental condition?

Answer: Tooth decay caused by acid-producing bacteria

Dental caries is the progressive destruction of tooth structure by acids produced by oral bacteria metabolizing sugars.