MESOGNATHOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Mesognathous is an adjective used to describe the anatomical arrangement of the jaws in certain animal species, including humans. It refers to an intermediate or neutral position of the jaws in which they are neither excessively protruded nor excessively retruded. The term derives from the combination of two Greek words: "mesos," meaning "middle" or "intermediate," and "gnathos," meaning "jaw."
In mesognathous individuals, the teeth and jaws are properly aligned, so that neither extends significantly forward or backward compared to the other. This provides for a harmonious bite and balanced facial appearance. Mesognathous dental occlusion is often considered ideal or "ideal bite" because it allows for optimal mastication and proper distribution of forces during chewing.
The opposite of mesognathous is prognathous, a condition characterized by an outward projection of the jaws, resulting in a more prominent or protruding facial profile. Prognathism can cause dental problems such as malocclusion, misalignment of the teeth, and difficulty with proper bite. Conversely, retrognathism refers to a condition in which the jaws are set backward, resulting in a recessed or retruded facial appearance.
In dentistry and orthodontics, identifying the mesognathous condition is crucial for assessing normal dental development and diagnosing orthodontic issues. Orthodontic treatments aim to correct any deviations from mesognathous occlusion to achieve a functional and esthetically pleasing dentition. Furthermore, understanding mesognathous alignment is important for evaluating facial harmony and determining if corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to achieve an ideal occlusion.
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Having a face with slightly projecting jaw, one with a gnathic index from 98 to 103.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MESOGNATHOUS
- nesognathous
- kesognathous
- jesognathous
- mwsognathous
- mssognathous
- mdsognathous
- mrsognathous
- m4sognathous
- m3sognathous
- meaognathous
- mezognathous
- mexognathous
- medognathous
- meeognathous
- mewognathous
- mesignathous
- meskgnathous
- meslgnathous
- mespgnathous
- mes0gnathous
Etymology of MESOGNATHOUS
The word "Mesognathous" originates from the Greek roots "meso", meaning mid or middle, and "gnathos", meaning jaw. In Greek, "mesognathous" can be broken down further to "mesos" (middle) and "gnathos" (jaw), and the suffix "-ous" denotes the adjective form. The term is used in anatomy and the classification of different types of jaws or facial structures.
Similar spelling word for MESOGNATHOUS
