Molar
Molar (Tooth)
Molar (/ˈmoʊlər/; from Latin mola, meaning "millstone") is a type of tooth found in mammals. They are typically the largest and strongest type of tooth. Molars are used primarily for grinding food during chewing.
Etymology
The term "molar" comes from the Latin word mola, which means "millstone". This is a reference to the similar function of grinding or crushing.
Anatomy
Molars typically have a larger surface area which is adapted for grinding food. They are located in the posterior part of the mouth, behind the premolars. In humans, the molar teeth have a lot of variation in size, shape, and number.
Types of Molars
In humans, there are three types of molars: the first molar, second molar, and third molar. The third molars are commonly known as wisdom teeth.
Function
The primary function of the molars is to grind and crush food. This is essential in the process of mastication, or chewing, which prepares the food for swallowing and digestion.
Related Terms
- Premolar: The type of tooth located in front of the molars.
- Wisdom tooth: Another term for the third molar.
- Mastication: The process of chewing food, in which molars play a crucial role.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Molar
- Wikipedia's article - Molar
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