metacone

A metacone is a cusp found on the chewing surface of molar teeth. Specifically, it is the posterior (rear) cusp of the upper molars and the anterior (front) cusp of the lower molars. In upper molars, the metacone is one of the four main cusps on the occlusal surface. In lower molars, it is the foremost cusp on the trigonid, the anterior part of the tooth's grinding surface. The term "metacone" is derived from Greek, meaning "after cusp." The presence and development of metacones are significant in dental anatomy and have been studied in relation to tooth evolution and variation across different species. In human dentition, the metacone is a standard feature of upper molars.