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Selenodont

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Selenodont teeth are the type of molars and premolars commonly found in ruminant herbivores. They are characterized by low crowns, and crescent-shaped cusps when viewed from above (crown view).[1]

The term comes from the Greek roots selene (crescent), and odous (tooth).[1] They differ from human molars in that the occlusal surface is not covered in enamel; rather, the layers of enamel, dentine, and cementum are all exposed, with cementum in the middle, surrounded by a layer of enamel, then a layer of dentine, all wrapped in a second outer layer of enamel.[1]

Viewed from the side, selenodont teeth form a series of triangular cusps. The combination of triangular profiles with ridges formed by the exposed layers makes the sideways jaw-motion of ruminants (think of a cow chewing) an effective way to break-up tough vegetable matter.

References

  1. ^ a b c Dorit, Robert L. (1991). Zoology. Orlando, Florida, USA: Saunders College Publishing. pp. 925–926. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)