TRITUBERCULAR Meaning and
Definition
-
Tritubercular is an adjective that refers to a specific dental structure found in some mammals. It is derived from the word "tri-" meaning three, and "tubercular" relating to a small, rounded projection or bump.
In dentistry, tritubercular refers to a type of tooth configuration that consists of three prominent cusps or tubercles on the chewing surface or crown of a tooth. This dental characteristic is most commonly associated with certain groups of extinct mammals, such as primitive placental mammals and some marsupials. The tritubercular pattern is significant in paleontological studies as it represents an early evolutionary stage from which more complex dental patterns have later developed.
The three cusps of a tritubercular tooth are typically arranged in a triangular or “Y” shape, with one larger central cusp and two smaller cusps on either side. This arrangement facilitates efficient food processing, allowing for more effective grinding and crushing of plant material or prey. The prevalence of tritubercular teeth has been attributed to the dietary habits of early mammals, particularly those that consumed an herbivorous or omnivorous diet.
Overall, the term tritubercular describes a dental structure characterized by three pronounced cusps or tubercles found on the chewing surface of certain mammalian teeth, which is significant in evolutionary biology and paleontology for tracing the development of dental adaptations in mammals.
-
Tricuspid, having three tubercles or cusps, as the second upper molar tooth, occasionally, and the third upper molar, usually.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TRITUBERCULAR
- rritubercular
- fritubercular
- gritubercular
- yritubercular
- 6ritubercular
- 5ritubercular
- teitubercular
- tditubercular
- tfitubercular
- ttitubercular
- t5itubercular
- t4itubercular
- trutubercular
- trjtubercular
- trktubercular
- trotubercular
- tr9tubercular
- tr8tubercular
- trirubercular
- trifubercular
Etymology of TRITUBERCULAR
The word "Tritubercular" is derived from Latin and Greek roots.
The Latin component "tri-" means "three", denoting the number three. "Tubercular" is derived from the Latin word "tuberculum", meaning "a small rounded projection or swelling".
In the field of paleontology and anatomy, "Tritubercular" is used to describe a type of dental pattern consisting of three main cusps or tubercles, such as those found in some mammal teeth. The term was coined based on the dental morphology and arrangement of such teeth.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
