MASTICATORY SURFACE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "masticatory surface" refers to the area within the oral cavity that is primarily responsible for chewing or grinding food during the process of mastication. It encompasses the various surfaces of the teeth that come into contact with the food during chewing.
The masticatory surface is a critical part of the dental structure and plays a significant role in the proper breakdown of food particles. It is composed of the occlusal and incisal surfaces of the teeth. In the case of molars and premolars, the occlusal surfaces feature cusps, ridges, and grooves that aid in the efficient grinding and crushing of food. The incisal surface, on the other hand, is found in the anterior teeth, namely the incisors and canines, and serves to cut and tear food into smaller, more manageable pieces.
The masticatory surface also facilitates the initial stage of the digestive process. The chewing action exerted on food by the masticatory surface, in conjunction with saliva, helps begin the enzymatic breakdown of carbohydrates in the mouth.
Furthermore, the masticatory surface is subject to wear and tear over time due to the constant friction and pressure exerted during chewing. As a result, regular dental care, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups, is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the masticatory surface and overall oral health.
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Grinding or occlusal surface, the surface of a premolar or molar tooth which comes in contact with the corresponding tooth in the other jaw.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MASTICATORY SURFACE
- nasticatory surface
- kasticatory surface
- jasticatory surface
- mzsticatory surface
- mssticatory surface
- mwsticatory surface
- mqsticatory surface
- maaticatory surface
- mazticatory surface
- maxticatory surface
- madticatory surface
- maeticatory surface
- mawticatory surface
- masricatory surface
- masficatory surface
- masgicatory surface
- masyicatory surface
- mas6icatory surface
- mas5icatory surface
- mastucatory surface
Etymology of MASTICATORY SURFACE
The word "masticatory" originated from the Late Latin word "masticatorius", which is derived from "masticatus", the past participle of the verb "masticare", meaning to chew. The suffix "-ory" is added to form an adjective meaning "related to" or "pertaining to".
The term "surface" comes from the Latin word "surfa", meaning the outermost part or the uppermost layer of something. It was later adapted into the French word "surface" and eventually made its way into English.
Thus, the etymology of the word "masticatory surface" combines the Latin root "masticare" (to chew) with the noun "surface" to refer to the part of the teeth or denture used for chewing or grinding food.
