Canine tooth
Canine Tooth
The Canine Tooth (pronounced: /ˈkeɪnaɪn tuːθ/), also known as the cuspid or dog tooth, is a type of tooth primarily found in carnivorous mammals. The term "canine" originates from the Latin word "caninus", meaning "of the dog", due to their prominence in dogs' mouths.
Anatomy
The canine tooth is characterized by its long, pointed shape and is typically the third tooth from the center of the mouth. In humans, there are four canine teeth, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower. They are larger and stronger than the incisors, and their main purpose is to hold, grasp, and tear food.
Function
Canine teeth play a crucial role in the mastication process. They are designed for firmly holding food and tearing it apart, making them essential for eating meat. In many animals, the size and shape of the canine teeth are also indicative of the animal's status within its social group.
Related Terms
- Incisor: The teeth adjacent to the canines, used for cutting and chopping food.
- Molar: The large teeth at the back of the mouth, used for grinding food.
- Premolar: The teeth between the canines and molars, used for crushing food.
- Dentition: The arrangement or condition of the teeth in a particular species or individual.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Canine tooth
- Wikipedia's article - Canine tooth
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