MASTICATING SURFACE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "masticating surface" refers to the part or area of a living organism, usually a vertebrate animal, that is specifically designed and adapted for the process of mastication. Mastication is the mechanical action of crushing, chewing, and grinding food in the mouth in order to break it down into smaller particles that can be easily swallowed and further digested.
In mammals, including humans, the masticating surface predominantly refers to the arrangement and structure of the teeth within the mouth, particularly the maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) dental arches. These dental arches hold various types of teeth, such as incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, each with specific shapes, sizes, and functions that contribute to the masticating process. The masticating surface is characterized by the unique alignment, interlocking, and occlusion of these teeth, which allows for efficient grinding and breaking down of food into manageable pieces.
Additionally, the masticating surface may also encompass other oral structures that aid in the mastication process, such as the tongue, salivary glands, and jaw muscles. These structures play a vital role in creating the necessary forces and movements required for the effective mastication and preparation of food for subsequent digestion.
The masticating surface is crucial for digestion as it initiates the mechanical breakdown of food, increasing its surface area and facilitating better enzymatic action during digestion. Overall, a well-developed and functional masticating surface is essential for organisms that rely on the process of mastication to extract nutrients from ingested food.
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Masticatory or grinding surface of a tooth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MASTICATING SURFACE
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Etymology of MASTICATING SURFACE
The word "masticating" comes from the Latin word "masticare", which means "to chew". The term "surface" is derived from the Latin word "superficies", meaning "the outer or uppermost layer of a thing". Therefore, the term "masticating surface" refers to the part or area of an organism, usually teeth or jaws, that is involved in the process of chewing or grinding food.
