Cusps in Humans
- Canine teeth have a single cusp
- Premolars have two cusps
- Molars usually have four or five cusps
- Some populations have a fifth cusp on the maxillary molars, known as the Cusp of Carabelli
- Uto-Aztecan upper premolar is a bulge on the buccal cusp found in Native American Indians
Cusps on the Molars of Therian Mammals
- Therian mammals have four main cusps on their upper molars
- The cusps are involved in grinding and tearing of food
- Different species of hominids have variations in enamel thickness, affecting cusp strength
- Cusps have evolved independently in various mammal groups during the Cenozoic period
Hypocone
- Hypocone is located on the distal lingual side of the tooth
- It fits into the grooves of the lower dentition
- Hypocone aids in grinding and tearing of food during occlusion or mastication
- Enamel thickness varies among hominid species, influencing hypocone strength
- Hypocone has evolved multiple times in different mammal groups during the Cenozoic period
Metacone
- Metacone is a cusp on the buccal distal area of the upper dentition in hominids
- The crests between cusps are adapted for slicing food during occlusion or mastication
- Metacone is involved in the chewing process
- Metacone aids in the grinding and tearing of food
- Metacone is found in the molars of hominids
Paracone
- Paracone is the principal anterior and outside cusp of a primitive upper molar
- It is located at the anterior of the three cusps
- Paracone is present in higher forms of mammals
- Paracone is involved in the chewing process
- Paracone aids in the grinding and tearing of food
A cusp is a pointed, projecting, or elevated feature. In animals, it is usually used to refer to raised points on the crowns of teeth. The concept is also used with regard to the leaflets of the four heart valves. The mitral valve, which has two cusps, is also known as the bicuspid valve, and the tricuspid valve has three cusps.
| Cusp | |
|---|---|
 The teeth of the right side of the mouth, shown contacting the teeth in the opposing jaw with their cusp tips | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | cuspis dentis |
| TA98 | A05.1.03.010 |
| TA2 | 925 |
| FMA | 56481 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
