What type of ridge is found on a maxillary molar's occlusal surface?

• A. Central ridge
• B. Transverse ridge
• C. Distomarginal ridge
• D. Oblique ridge

Answer: (C)

On the occlusal surface of maxillary molars, margins and cross-arches define the tooth's ridges. The distomarginal ridge is the part that runs along the distal (back) edge of the occlusal table, forming the distal boundary of the occlusal surface. This ridge is a standard feature you’ll recall when identifying the tooth’s anatomy from the occlusal view, so it’s the best answer for this question.

Other ridges exist on maxillary molars—for example, an oblique ridge runs obliquely from the distobuccal to the mesiolingual area—but the term that specifically denotes the ridge along the distal border of the occlusal surface is distomarginal ridge.