HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is a marginal ridge in dental terminology?

1. Area of exposed dentin on a tooth

2. Ridge formed by the margin of enamel on tooth surfaces

3. Part of the root structure of a tooth

4. Layer of cementum surrounding a tooth root

The correct answer is: Ridge formed by the margin of enamel on tooth surfaces

A marginal ridge refers specifically to the elevated borders or ridges that form on the chewing surfaces of posterior teeth (molars and premolars) and the surfaces of anterior teeth (canines and incisors) where the enamel margins meet. This descriptive term reflects its anatomical significance in the structure of teeth, where these ridges are formed by the enamel along the edges of the occlusal surface of molars and the lingual surfaces of incisors. This ridge plays a crucial role in dental function and occlusion, providing support during chewing and offering boundaries that help define the expressions and contact points of teeth. The other choices refer to different dental features or components: exposed dentin describes a vulnerable part of the tooth if enamel is lost, the root structure pertains to the foundational part of the tooth embedded in the jawbone, and the layer of cementum is related to the outer covering of a tooth's root that aids in attachment to the periodontal ligament. In contrast, the correct choice explicitly identifies the marginal ridge as the enamel-supported borders, highlighting its precise role and location in dental anatomy.