Anatomy and Occlusion Flashcards

Which anatomical landmark on the palate is a reliable reference point that does NOT move with soft tissue changes?

Answer: Incisive papilla

The incisive papilla overlies the incisive foramen and is a stable bony landmark used for positioning complete denture teeth.

In centric occlusion, the mandibular buccal cusps occlude in which fossae of the maxillary posterior teeth?

Answer: Central fossae

The mandibular buccal cusps (centric holding cusps) occlude in the central fossae of the maxillary posterior teeth in ideal centric occlusion.

The Frankfort plane is used as a horizontal reference and passes through which landmarks?

Answer: Porion and orbitale

The Frankfort horizontal plane passes through the porion (top of external auditory meatus) and orbitale (lowest point of the orbital rim).

Which type of occlusal contact during lateral excursion involves only the canines on the working side?

Answer: Canine guidance

Canine guidance (canine-protected occlusion) means only the canines contact on the working side during lateral movement, disoccluding all posterior teeth.

The alveolar process is unique because it:

Answer: Forms and resorbs in response to tooth presence

The alveolar process is tooth-dependent bone that develops with tooth eruption and resorbs following tooth loss.

Which salivary gland produces the most serous (watery) saliva and has its duct (Stensen's duct) opening near the maxillary second molar?

Answer: Parotid gland

The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland and produces primarily serous saliva, draining via Stensen's duct opposite the maxillary second molar.

The term 'overjet' refers to the horizontal distance measured between:

Answer: The facial surface of mandibular incisors and the lingual surface of maxillary incisors

Overjet is the horizontal overlap of the maxillary incisors beyond the mandibular incisors, measured from the facial surface of lower incisors to the lingual surface of upper incisors.