Mammalian Dentition and Tooth Structure

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the types of dentition, mammalian teeth categories, and the anatomical structure of a tooth based on the lecture transcript.

Dentition

The number, arrangement, and conformation of teeth in an organism.

Homodont dentition

A type of dentition where all teeth are of the same shape, size, and functions, as seen in fishes, amphibians, and reptiles.

Heterodont dentition

A type of dentition where organisms possess teeth of different shapes, sizes, and functions, as seen in mammals like rabbits, man, dog, and cattle.

Milk Teeth

The set of teeth possessed by young ones consisting of incisors, canines, and premolars that may number up to $20$ and are eventually replaced.

Permanent Teeth

The set of teeth possessed by adult mammals, composed of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, which may number up to $32$.

Incisors

Flat, chisel-shaped teeth with sharp edges located at the front of the jaw, used for cutting and holding onto prey.

Canines

Sharp, pointed teeth located next to the incisors used for tearing flesh and catching prey.

Premolars

Teeth located at the back of the jaw following the canines, featuring large, ridged flat surfaces or cusps for grinding and chewing.

Molars

Closely packed teeth with ridged surfaces located at the extreme back of the jaws, used for chewing and grinding food.

Crown

The part of the tooth that is visible above the gum (gingiva).

Root

The part of the tooth that is embedded in the socket of the gum.

Neck

The narrow junction of the tooth located between the crown and the root.

Enamel

The outermost protective layer covering the crown of the tooth.

Dentin

The hard layer of the tooth located beneath the enamel.

Pulp cavity

The central part of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves.

Gingiva

The technical term for the gum through which the crown emerges.

Periodontal ligament

The tissue that helps anchor the root of the tooth within the bone.