Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which term describes a sharp or rounded projection of the tooth?

1. Cusp

2. Groove

3. Fossa

4. Mamelon

The correct answer is: Cusp

The term that describes a sharp or rounded projection of the tooth is "cusp." Cusps are pointed or rounded elevations found on the chewing surface of molars and premolars. They play a significant role in the function of the tooth by aiding in the grinding and tearing of food during mastication. Other terms mentioned in the choices refer to different anatomical features of teeth. Grooves are linear depressions that help guide food during chewing but do not represent a projection. Fossa refers to a shallow basin-like depression found on the surface of teeth, and mamelons are the small, rounded protuberances typically found on the incisal edges of newly erupted anterior teeth; while they can be considered projections, they are not as pronounced or general as cusps. Thus, when defining a sharp or rounded projection specifically, "cusp" is the most accurate term.