CHEEK TEETH Meaning and
Definition
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Cheek teeth, also known as postcanine teeth or molars, are a set of large, flat teeth located at the back of the mouth in mammals, including humans. These teeth are classified as cheek teeth because they are situated along the cheeks and are used primarily for grinding and chewing food.
In humans, the cheek teeth include the premolars and molars, and they are found on both sides of the upper and lower jaws. The premolars are located between the canines and molars, while the molars are the last teeth in each dental arch. These teeth have a broad surface area with multiple cusps, or raised points, which aid in the efficient breakdown of food during the process of mastication.
The cheek teeth play a crucial role in digestion as they are responsible for crushing and grinding food into smaller particles. This initial breakdown of food is essential for facilitating the chemical digestion processes that occur in the stomach and small intestine. Additionally, these teeth contribute to maintaining the proper alignment of the jaw and ensuring an adequate bite force.
The occurrence of cheek teeth varies across different mammalian species. In herbivorous animals, such as horses and cows, cheek teeth are particularly prominent and adapted for grinding tough plant material. In carnivorous animals, the cheek teeth tend to be reduced or absent as their diet consists mainly of softer tissues. Consequently, the structure and functionality of cheek teeth differ significantly among various mammalian species.
Etymology of CHEEK TEETH
The term "cheek teeth" is a descriptive phrase used to refer to a specific set of teeth located in the back of the mouth, which include the premolars and molars.
The word "cheek" in this context refers to the anatomical location where these teeth are situated. The term can be traced back to the Old English word "ceace", which means "jaw" or "cheek". This word has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "kak-", which also meant "jaw" or "cheek".
The word "teeth" comes from the Old English word "tōþ", which has its origins in the Proto-Germanic word "tanth", meaning "tooth".
Together, the term "cheek teeth" is derived from these Old English and Proto-Germanic words, combining the concept of teeth with their location in the cheek or jaw.
