Cusp

A cusp is a hard eminence on a tooth that emerges from the surface of which the tooth bites. Canine teeth each possess a single cusp, while premolars have two each. Molars normally possess either four or five cusps.

Cusp within a tooth

Maxillary molars, especially first molars, will generally possess a cusp located on the palatal surface. This cusp is known as the Cusp of Carabelli.

Dental Anatomy

Alveolar Bone Apex Cementum Cusp Dentin Enamel Gum Periodontal Ligament Pulp Tooth

References

Naudin C., Grumbach N., Larousse Médical, 3ième édition, Paris, 2003.
Marcovitch H., Black's Medical Dictionary, 41st edition, London, 2005.
Leikin J. B., Lipsky M. S., Complete Medical Encyclopedia, First edition, New York, 2003.
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (www.wikipedia.org).
Last update: 25th of November 2007.