COMPARATIVE ANATOMY - Dentition (Equine, Ruminants, Porcine)

Question 1

What does Hypsodont stand for?

Answer 1

Hypsodont species have delayed complete development of the root of the tooth, allowing for continuous erupting of the teeth until the jaw reaches adult size

Question 2

What covers the occlusal surface of the equine incisors?

Answer 2

The occlusal surfaces of the equine incisors are covered by an inner and outer layer of enamel

Question 3

What is the name for the invagination of enamel from the occlusal surface of the equine incisors?

Answer 3

Infundibular cavity

Question 4

What is the name for the centre of cement found within the infundibular cavity?

Answer 4

Infundibulum (dental cup)

Question 5

What is the function of the dental star found in equine incisors?

Answer 5

The dental star is secondary dentine that plugs the pulp cavity to prevent the exposure of the pulp cavity as the equine incisors wear down

Question 6

What is a diastema?

Answer 6

A diastema is a gap between the teeth

Question 7

(T/F) Equine canines are more commonly seen in females

Answer 7

FALSE. Equine canines rarely erupt in females and are more commonly seen in males

Question 8

What is the collective name for the pre-molars and molars?

Answer 8

Cheek teeth

Question 9

What are the three features of the equine cheek teeth that accommodate for the abrasive diet of herbivores?

Answer 9

1. Premolars and molars are the same size to create an even grinding surface
2. The occlusal surface of the cheek teeth have alternating enamel and dentine folds to increase the abrasive surface of the teeth
3. Equine cheek teeth are hypsodonty

Question 10

What is a wolf tooth?

Answer 10

A wolf tooth is an underdeveloped first premolar seen in equine species

Question 11

What tool can be used to cut the periodontal attachment around the wolf tooth in order to remove it?

Answer 11

A Burgess elevator

Question 12

Which of the equine cheek teeth extend into the maxillary sinus?

Answer 12

Upper pre-molar four (PM4)
Upper molars

Question 13

What is the possible consequence of dental disease in the equine cheek teeth that extend into the maxillary sinus?

Answer 13

Dental disease in these teeth can lead to a secondary sinus infection

Question 14

What is the equine permanent dental formula?

Answer 14

3-1-3(4)-3 / 3-1-3-3

Question 15

What is the equine deciduous dental formula?

Answer 15

3-0-3 / 3-0-3

Question 16

Ruminants lack both upper incisors and canines. What is the name of the structure present instead of these?

Answer 16

Dental pad

Question 17

What are the two features of the ruminant cheek teeth that accommodate for the abrasive ruminant diet?

Answer 17

1. The occlusal surface of the cheek teeth have alternating enamel and dentine folds to increase the abrasive surface of the teeth
2. Ruminant cheek teeth are hypsodonty

Question 18

What is the ruminant permanent dental formula?

Answer 18

0-0-3-3 / 3-1-3-3

Question 19

What is the ruminant deciduous dental formula?

Answer 19

0-0-3 / 3-1-3

Question 20

Which domestic animal has the most complete set of teeth?

Answer 20

Porcine

Question 21

(T/F) Piglets are born with teeth

Answer 21

TRUE. Piglets are born with eight teeth

Question 22

What is the porcine permanent dental formula?

Answer 22

3-1-4-3 / 3-1-4-3

Question 23

What is the porcine deciduous dental formula?

Answer 23

3-1-3 / 3-1-3