A depression in the occlusal surface of the tooth is called which term?

A depression in the occlusal surface of the tooth is called which term?

• A. Incisal
• B. Distal
• C. Sulcus
• D. Mesial

Answer: (C)

A sulcus is a shallow groove or furrow on a tooth surface. On the occlusal (chewing) surface, the cusps are separated by grooves, and the spaces between these grooves form depressions that are described as sulci. This is why the term for a depression on the occlusal surface fits best. Incisal refers to the biting edge of anterior teeth, while mesial and distal describe directions toward or away from the midline, not surface depressions. Fossae are deeper pits, but the more groove-like, depression-forming feature on the occlusal surface is a sulcus.

A sulcus is a shallow groove or furrow on a tooth surface. On the occlusal (chewing) surface, the cusps are separated by grooves, and the spaces between these grooves form depressions that are described as sulci. This is why the term for a depression on the occlusal surface fits best. Incisal refers to the biting edge of anterior teeth, while mesial and distal describe directions toward or away from the midline, not surface depressions. Fossae are deeper pits, but the more groove-like, depression-forming feature on the occlusal surface is a sulcus.