CBSE-XI-Biology
16: Digestion and Absorption
- #14Name different types of teeth and their number in an adult human.
Ans : There are four different types of teeth in an adult human. They are as follows:
(i) Incisors
The eight teeth in the front are incisors. There are four incisors each in the upper jaw and the lower jaw. They are meant for cutting.
(ii) Canines
The pointy teeth on either side of the incisors are canines. They are four in number, two each placed in the upper jaw and the lower jaw. They are meant for tearing.
(iii) Premolars
They are present next to the canines. They are eight in number, four each placed in the upper jaw and the lower jaw. They are meant for grinding.
(iv) Molars
They are present at the end of the jaw, next to the premolars. There are twelve molars, six each placed in the upper jaw and the lower jaw.
Hence, the dental formula in humans is.gif)
This means each half of the upper jaw and the lower jaw has 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, and 3 molars. Hence, an adult human has 32 permanent teeth.