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Anatomy & Histology · single question

The buccal developmental groove of the mandibular second molar is confluent with which groove?

  1. The mesial marginal groove
  2. The central groove
  3. The distolingual groove
  4. The distal groove
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. The central groove

  • A. ❌ Marginal ridge grooves cross the ridges; they are not the continuation of the buccal groove.
  • B. ✅ CORRECT — The mandibular second molar has the classic 'cross' or 'plus' occlusal pattern: a central groove running mesiodistally, with a single BUCCAL groove and a single lingual groove meeting it at right angles near the center of the occlusal table. The buccal groove therefore joins the CENTRAL groove.
  • C. ❌ The distolingual groove belongs to the lingual surface.
  • D. ❌ A distobuccal groove is a feature of the mandibular FIRST molar, which has a 'Y' pattern with two buccal grooves.

Note: Mandibular 1st molar = 5 cusps, Y groove pattern, two buccal grooves. Mandibular 2nd molar = 4 cusps, + (cross) pattern, one buccal groove.

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