Molar (tooth)
Molar (tooth)
Molars (/ˈmoʊ.lər/) are the rearmost and most complicated kind of tooth in most mammals. They are used primarily to grind food during mastication. The name is derived from Latin, molaris dens, meaning "millstone tooth", from mola, millstone and dens, tooth. Molars are generally larger, broader and more robust than the premolar teeth.
Etymology
The term "molar" comes from the Latin word "mola" which means "millstone". This is in reference to the grinding function of the molar teeth, similar to the grinding function of a millstone.
Anatomy
Molars typically have a larger surface area which is adapted for grinding food into smaller particles. The crown of the molar is either flat or cross-ridged depending on the type of mammal. In humans, the molar teeth have a lot of grooves and pits on the biting surface which helps in grinding the food.
Types of Molars
In humans, there are three types of molars: the first molar, second molar, and third molar. Each type has a different function and is located at a different point in the mouth.
First Molar
The first molars, also known as the six-year molars, are usually the first of the back teeth to develop and erupt in the mouth.
Second Molar
The second molars, or twelve-year molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth before the wisdom teeth. They are located just in front of the wisdom teeth.
Third Molar
The third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. They are often the cause of dental problems and are commonly extracted.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Molar (tooth)
- Wikipedia's article - Molar (tooth)
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