The word "cingulum" is spelled with a hard "c" sound and a soft "g" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈsɪŋɡjʊləm/. The first syllable "cin" is pronounced with a nasalized "ng" sound and a short "i." The second syllable "gu" is pronounced with a "g" sound and a "y" sound. The final syllable "lum" is pronounced with a short "u" sound and an "m." "Cingulum" is a Latin word referring to a belt or girdle worn on the waist.
Cingulum is a noun that refers to a prominent ridge or raised area found on the surface of a tooth. Specifically, it is commonly used to describe the ridge that encircles the tooth at the level where the tooth's crown meets the root. The cingulum is typically located on the lingual, or inner, side of anterior teeth, such as incisors and canines, where it forms a convex protuberance.
The cingulum serves several functions in dentistry. It functions to guide the movement of the tongue during speech and swallowing, providing stability and support to these activities. Additionally, it plays a role in the overall appearance and esthetics of anterior teeth, contributing to their shape and contour. The size and shape of the cingulum can vary between individuals, and these variations can be useful in dental identification and forensic investigations.
In dental anatomy, the cingulum is considered a critical landmark for classifying teeth and differentiating between various dental patterns and conditions. Dentists use the presence, size, and shape of the cingulum when identifying and diagnosing dental irregularities, diseases, and abnormalities. Consequently, the cingulum is an essential feature in dental assessments, treatments, and prosthodontics, allowing for accurate tooth recognition and proper oral care.
1. A well marked band of association fibers in the medial portion of the centrum ovale of each hemisphere, passing from near the region of the anterior perforated substance backward over the upper surface of the corpus callosum in the medullary substance of the gyrus cinguli (callosal gyrus), some fibers then passing to the cuneus of the occipital lobe, others running forward around the splenium as far as the uncus of the temporal lobe. 2. Basal ridge, a U-shaped ridge at the base of the posterior concave surface; of the crown of the upper incisors and canine teeth, the limbs of the U running for a short distance along the sides of the lingual surface, the loop pointing to the gum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cingulum" comes from Latin, specifically from the verb "cingerĕ", which means "to encircle" or "to surround". In Latin, "cingulum" refers to a belt or girdle that encircles the waist. This term has also been adopted into English with the same meaning in various contexts, especially in the field of anatomy, where it refers to a region or structure that encircles or surrounds a specific area.