Dental Anatomy & Morphology Understanding Flashcards

Which groove on the mandibular first molar separates the mesiolingual and distolingual cusps?

Answer: Lingual groove

The lingual groove of the mandibular first molar runs between the mesiolingual and distolingual cusps on the lingual surface.

What term describes the angle formed at the junction of two crown surfaces at the incisal edge?

Answer: Incisal angle

Incisal angles are the angles formed at the corners of the incisal edge where the mesial or distal surface meets the labial or lingual surface.

The mandibular third molar is most notable for which anatomical feature compared to other molars?

Answer: The greatest variation in root number and morphology

The mandibular third molar exhibits the widest range of variation in root number, form, and cusp pattern of any tooth in the permanent dentition.

When viewing a maxillary premolar from the proximal aspect, the crown tilts in which direction relative to the root?

Answer: Lingually

From the proximal view, the crowns of maxillary premolars tilt slightly lingually relative to the long axis of the root.

Which of the following teeth has TWO lingual cusps in the most common cusp arrangement?

Answer: Mandibular second premolar (Y-groove pattern)

The mandibular second premolar in the Y-groove (3-cusp) pattern has one buccal cusp and two lingual cusps (mesiolingual and distolingual).

What is the functional significance of the curvature of Spee in dental anatomy?

Answer: It describes the anteroposterior curve of the mandibular occlusal plane

The curve of Spee is the anteroposterior curvature of the mandibular occlusal plane, curving upward from the lower anterior teeth to the most distal molar.

The furcation of the maxillary first molar roots is located in which area of the tooth?

Answer: Slightly apical to the CEJ on the root trunk

The furcation of the maxillary first molar begins slightly apical to the CEJ, after the root trunk, where the three roots diverge.