Maxillary second molar

Maxillary second molar

The Maxillary second molar is the tooth located distally (away from the midline of the face) from both the Maxillary first molars and Maxillary first premolars of the mouth. It is also known as the 12-year molar because it usually erupts into the mouth between the ages of 11 and 13.

Etymology

The term "molar" is derived from the Latin word "mola" which means "millstone". This is due to the function of the molars which is to grind food, similar to how a millstone grinds grains.

Anatomy

The maxillary second molar is usually larger in size than the Maxillary first molar. It has four cusps, two buccal (cheek side) and two palatal (roof of the mouth side). The two buccal cusps are the mesiobuccal and distobuccal, and the two palatal cusps are the mesiopalatal and distopalatal.

Function

The primary function of the maxillary second molar, like all molars, is to grind and chew food. It plays a crucial role in the initial stage of digestion.

Related Terms

• Maxillary first molar
• Maxillary third molar
• Mandibular second molar

See Also

• Tooth eruption
• Human tooth

Maxillary second molar Resources
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