GPT Terms – M

mac·ro·glos·sia : excessive size of the tongue

mac·ula , mac·ula (1863): a patch of tissue that is altered in color but usually not elevated; usually characteristic of various diseases

maintenance dose : the quantity of a drug necessary to maintain a normal physiologic state or a desired blood or tissue level of drug

major connector : the part of a partial removable dental prosthesis that joins the components on one side of the arch to those on the opposite side

mal·a·lign·ment: see MALOCCLUSION

mal·le·a·ble : capable of being extended or shaped with a hammer or with the pressure of rollers

mal·oc·clu·sion 1: any deviation from a physiologically acceptable contact between the opposing dental arches 2: any deviation from a normal occlusion—see ANGLE’S CLASSIFICATION OF OCCLUSION

mam·e·lon : one of three tubercles sometimes found on the incisal edges of incisor teeth—mam·e·lon·at·ed ,mam·e·lon·a·tion

man·di·ble : the lower jawbone

man·dib·u·lar: of or pertaining to the mandible

mandibular anteroposterior ridge slope : the slope of the crest of the mandibular residual ridge from the third molar region to its most anterior aspect in relation to the lower border of the mandible as viewed in profile

mandibular axis: see SAGITTAL AXIS, TRANSVERSE HORIZONTAL AXIS, VERTICAL AXIS

mandibular condyle: the articular process of the mandible, called also the head of the mandible— see also CONDYLE

mandibular dislocation : a non-self-reducing displacement of the mandibular condyle out of the glenoid fossa

mandibular dysplasia : disharmony in size or form between the right and left halves of the mandible

mandibular equilibration 1: the act or acts performed to place the mandible in equilibrium 2: a condition in which all of the forces acting on the mandible are neutralized

mandibular glide obs: the side to side, protrusive, and intermediate movement of the mandible occurring when the teeth or other occluding surfaces are in contact (GPT-4)

mandibular guide plane prosthesis: see MANDIBULAR RESECTION PROSTHESIS

mandibular hinge position obs: the position of the mandible in relation to the maxilla at which opening and closing movements can be made on the hinge axis (GPT-4)

mandibular impression : an impression of the mandibular jaw or dental structures

mandibular lateral translation: see MANDIBULAR TRANSLATION

mandibular micrognathia : an abnormally small mandible with associated recession of the chin

mandibular movement : any movement of the lower jaw

mandibular nerve : the third division of the trigeminal nerve that leaves the skull through the foremen ovale and provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication, to the tensor veli palatini m., the tensor tympani m., the anterior belly of the digastric m., and the mylohyoid m. It also provides the general sensory innervation to the mandibular teeth and gingivae, the floor of the mouth, the epithelium of the anterior two thirds of the tongue, and the skin of the lower portion of the face

mandibular orthopedic repositioning prosthesis : a removable dental prosthesis that creates a different, yet temporary, dental occlusal position that guides the mandible to close into a predetermined and altered position

mandibular plane : in cephalometrics, a plane that passes through the inferior border of the mandible

mandibular protraction : a type of facial anomaly in which gnathion lies anterior to the orbital plane—see ANGLE’S CLASSIFICATION OF OCCLUSION

mandibular relationship record : any registration of the relationship of the mandible to the maxillae

mandibular repositioning : guidance of the mandible to cause closure in a predetermined, altered position

mandibular resection: the surgical removal of a portion or all of the mandible and the related soft tissues—called also mandibulectomy

mandibular resection prosthesis : a maxillofacial prosthesis used to maintain a functional position for the jaws (maxillae and mandible), improve speech and deglutition following trauma or/and surgery to the mandible or/and adjacent structures

—syn MANDIBULAR GUIDE PLANE PROSTHESIS, MANDIBULAR RESECTION PROSTHESIS WITH GUIDE, MANDIBULAR RESECTION PROSTHESIS WITHOUT GUIDE, RESECTION PROSTHESIS

mandibular rest position: see PHYSIOLOGIC REST POSITION

mandibular retraction \m?n-di?b?ya-lar ri?-tr?k?shun\: a type of facial anomaly in which gnathion lies posterior to the orbital plane—see also ANGLE’S CLASSIFICATION OF OCCLUSION

mandibular side shift: see MANDIBULAR TRANSLATION

mandibular staple : a transosteal dental implant placed from the inferior border of the mandible with posts (abutments) that extend through the mucosa into the oral cavity in the mandibular anterior region—called also transmandibular staple

mandibular tracing : a graphic representation or record of the movements of the mandible within a given plane

mandibular translation : the translatory (medio-lateral) movement of the mandible when viewed in the frontal plane. While this has not been demonstrated to occur as an immediate horizontal movement when viewed in the frontal plane, it could theoretically occur in an essentially pure translatory form in the early part of the motion or in combination with rotation in the latter part of the motion or both—see also EARLY MANDIBULAR LATERAL TRANSLATION, IMMEDIATE MANDIBULAR LATERAL TRANSLATION, PROGRESSIVE MANDIBULAR LATERAL TRANSLATION

mandibular trismus : reduced mobility of the mandible resulting from tonic contracture of the masticatory muscles

mandibulectomy n: the removal of part or the entire mandible

man·drelalso man·dril 1a: usually a tapered or cylindrical axle, spindle, or arbor placed in a hole to support it during machining 1b: a metal bar which serves as a core about which material may be cast, molded, compressed, forged, bent or shaped 2: the shaft and bearings on which a tool is mounted

Maryland bridge: see RESIN-BONDED PROSTHESIS

mar·gin : the outer edge of a crown, inlay, onlay, or other restoration. The boundary surface of a tooth preparation and/or restoration is termed the finish line or finish curve

marginal gingiva : the most coronal portion of the gingiva; often used to refer to the free gingiva that forms the wall of the gingival crevice in health

marginal ridge : a component of the tooth structure forming the occlusal proximal margin of a premolar or molar

mask·ing : the process of applying an opaque covering to camouflage the metal component of a prosthesis

master cast: see DEFINITIVE CAST

master impression : the negative likeness made for the purpose of fabricating a prosthesis

masticating cycles : the patterns of mandibular movements formed during the chewing of food (GPT-1)

mas·ti·ca·tion : the process of chewing food for swallowing and digestion

masticatory apparatus: see MASTICATORY SYSTEM

masticatory cycle : a three dimensional representation of mandibular movement produced during the chewing of food

masticatory efficiency : the effort required achieving a standard degree of comminution

masticatory force : the force applied by the muscles of mastication during chewing

masticatory movements’ : mandibular movements used for chewing food—see MASTICATORY CYCLE

masticatory mucosa: see MUCOSA

masticatory muscle : muscles that elevate the mandible to close the mouth (temporalis m., superficial and deep masseter m., medial pterygoid m.)—see ELEVATOR MUSCLE

masticatory pain : discomfort about the face and mouth induced by chewing or other use of the jaws but independent of local disease involving the teeth and mouth

masticatory performance: a measure of the comminution of food attainable under standardized testing conditions

masticatory system : the organs and structures primarily functioning in mastication. These include the teeth with their supporting structures, craniomandibular articulations, mandible, positioning and accessory musculature, tongue, lips, cheeks, oral mucosa, and the associated neurologic complex

ma·trix , pl ma·tri·ces 1: a mold or impression in which something is formed 2: the portion of an attachment system that receives the patrix

max·il·la ; max·il·lae : the irregularly shaped bone that, with its contralateral maxilla, forms the upper jaw. It assists in the formation of the orbit, the nasal cavity, and the hard palate; it contains the maxillary teeth

maxillary impression : an impression of the maxillary jaw or dental structures

maxillary micrognathia : abnormally small maxillae with associated retraction of the middle third of the face

maxillary protraction : a type of facial anomaly in which subnasion lies anterior to the orbital plane

maxillary resection : the surgical removal of a part or all of the maxilla—called also maxillectomy

maxillary sinus : the anatomic space located superior to the posterior maxillary alveolus

maxillary tuberosity : the most distal portion of the maxillary alveolar ridge

max·il·lec·to·my : the removal of part or all of the maxilla—called also maxillary resection

max·il·lo·fa·cial : pertaining to the dental arches, the face, head and neck structures

maxillofacial prosthesis : any prosthesis used to replace part or all of any stomatognathic and/or craniofacial structure. Editorial Note: the taxonomy for maxillofacial prostheses may include modifiers (adjectives) to provide descriptive evidence of the nature of the prosthesis including anatomic location, retention, support, time, materials, and form. Frequently, the means of retention is used, and may encompass descriptive adjectives such as the adjacent tissue, teeth, dental/craniofacial implants or a combination of such, thus appropriate terminology can include tissue retained MP, tooth retained MP, implant retained MP, tissue/implant retained MP. Descriptive terminology may also be included to delineate time utilization for the prosthesis such as surgical, interim and definitive.

maxillofacial prosthetic adhesive: a material used to adhere external maxillofacial prostheses to skin and associated structures around the periphery of an external anatomic defect

maxillofacial prosthetics : the branch of prosthodontics concerned with the restoration and/or replacement of the stomatognathic and craniofacial structures with prostheses that may or may not be removed on a regular or elective basis

maxillomandibular dysplasia : disharmony between one jaw and the halves of the mandible

maxillomandibular fixation: fastening together of the maxillary and mandibular teeth, as for immobilization of a mandibular fracture—syn IMF

maxillomandibular record: see MAXILLOMANDIBULAR RELATIONSHIP RECORD

maxillomandibular registration: see MAXILLOMANDIBULAR RELATIONSHIP RECORD

maxillomandibular relation: see MAXILLOMANDIBULAR RELATIONSHIP

maxillomandibular relationship : any spatial relationship of the maxillae to the mandible; any one of the infinite relationships of the mandible to the maxillae

maxillomandibular relationship record : a registration of any positional relationship of the mandible relative to the maxillae. These records may be made at any vertical, horizontal, or lateral orientation

maxillomandibular registration: see MAXILLOMANDIBULAR RELATIONSHIP RECORD

maximal intercuspal contacts : tooth contact in the maximum intercuspal position

maximal intercuspal position : the complete intercuspation of the opposing teeth independent of condylar position, sometimes referred to as the best fit of the teeth regardless of the condylar position—called also maximal intercuspation—comp CENTRIC OCCLUSION

mean foundation plane : the mean of the various irregularities in form and inclination of the basal seat (GPT-4)

me·a·tus , pl me·a·tus·es or me·a·ti (1665): a natural body passage; a general term for any opening or passageway in the body

mechanical anterior guidance table: an adjustable articulator component that guides the articulator pin’s movement to simulate lateral and anterior guidance during mandibular movement—comp CUSTOM ANTERIOR GUIDE TABLE see also ANTERIOR GUIDE TABLE:

mechanically balanced occlusion : a balanced occlusion without reference to physiologic considerations, as on an articulation (GPT-4)

median line : the centerline dividing a body into the right and left

median mandibular point \m??d?-an m?n-di?b?a-lar point\ obs: a point on the anteroposterior center of the mandibular ridge in the median sagittal plane (GPT-4)

median plane : an imaginary plane passing longitudinally through the body, from front to back, and dividing it into left and right halves

median relation : any jaw relation when the mandible is in the median sagittal plane (GPT-4)

median retruded relation: see CENTRIC RELATION

mediolateral curve : in the mandibular arch, that curve (viewed in the frontal plane) which is concave above and contacts the buccal and lingual cusp tips of the mandibular molars; in the maxillary arch, that curve (viewed in the frontal plane) which is convex below and contacts the buccal and lingual cusp tips of the maxillary molars.

me·di·o·tru·sion n: a movement of the condyle medially—see NONWORKING SIDE

mem·brane 1: a thin soft pliable sheet or layer, especially of plant or animal origin 2: a thin layer of tissue that lines a cavity, envelops a vessel or part, or separates a space or organ

me·nis·cus ; me·nis·ci : see DISK

meniscectomy: excision of the intraarticular disk. see DISKECTOMY

me·si·al: near or toward the centerline of the dental arch; toward the median sagittal plane of the face, following the curvature of the dental arch

mesial drift : movement of teeth toward the midline

me·sio·clu·sion n: any occlusion in which the mandibular teeth articulate with the maxillary teeth in a position anterior to normal—synANTERIOR OCCLUSION, MESIO-OCCLUSION

mesioversion : with reference to a tooth, nearer than normal in its position toward the median line of the face, along the dental arch

1met·al : any strong and relatively ductile substance that provides electropositive ions to a corrosive environment and that can be polished to a high luster. Characterized by metallic atomic bonding

2met·al –aled or –alled; –al·ing or –al·ling (1610): to cover or furnish with metal

metal base : the metallic portion of a denture base forming a part or the entire basal surface of the denture. It serves as a base for the attachment of the resin portion of the denture base and the teeth

metal ceramic restoration : a tooth or/and implant retained fixed dental prosthesis that uses a metal substructure upon which a ceramic veneer is fused—see COLLARLESS M.C.R.

metal collar: a narrow band of highly polished metal immediately adjacent to the facial/buccal margin on a metal-ceramic restoration—compPORCELAIN LABIAL MARGIN

metal insert teeth : artificial denture teeth containing metal cutting edges; teeth designed to contain metal cutting edges in the occlusal surface

metal saddle : a metal denture base (GPT-4)

met·a·mer : one of a pair of objects whose colors match when viewed in a described way but do not match under all viewing conditions

metameric pair : a pair of objects whose colors match when viewed in a described way, but which do not match if the viewing conditions are changed. Thus a metameric pair of samples exhibit the same tri-stimulus values for a described set of viewing conditions (observer, light source, geometry of the illumination and viewing arrangement) but have different spectral distributions. Hence, they exhibit a match that is conditional

me·tam·er·ism : pairs of objects that have different spectral curves but appear to match when viewed in a given hue exhibit metamerism. Metamerism should not be confused with the term’s flair or color constancy, which apply to apparent color change exhibited by a single color when the spectral distribution of the light source is changed or when the angle of illumination or viewing is changed

methyl methacrylate resin : a transparent, thermoplastic acrylic resin that is used in dentistry by mixing liquid methyl methacrylate monomer with the polymer powder. The resultant mixture forms a pliable plastic termed dough, which is packed into a mold prior to initiation of polymerization

mi·cro·crack : in porcelain, one of the numerous surface flaws that contribute to stress concentrations and results in strengths below those theoretically possible

mi·cro·gnath·ia : a congenital or acquired condition characterized by an abnormally small jaw—see MANDIBULAR M., MAXILLARY M.

mi·cro·glos·sia : presence of a small tongue

mi·cro·max·il·lae n: see MAXILLARY MICROGNATHIA

mi·cro·sto·mia : an abnormally small oral orifice

mi·cro·tia : a developmental anomaly characterized by hypoplasia or aplasia of the pinna of the ear, associated with an impatent or absent external auditory meatus

midfacial deficiency : failure of the mid-third of the face, including the maxilla, to grow in proportion to the upper and lower thirds

midfacial fracture : fractures of the zygomatic, maxillary, nasal, and associated bones

mid-opening click : the abnormal sound emanating from the temporomandibular joint that occurs during mid protrusive translation of the condyles

MIE theory: the theory that relates the scattering of a single spherical particle in a medium to the diameter of the particle, the difference in refractive index between the particle and the medium, and the wavelength of radiant energy in the medium that is incident on the particle. This theory relates to the direct observation of the scattering of a single particle as compared with the Kubelka-Munk Theory and also takes into account the absorption that the particle may also exhibit

1mill : a machine or device used for working or forming materials into a desired form, to blend materials, or to perform other mechanical operations

2mill 1: to subject to an operation or process in a mill; to grind 2: to shape or dress by means of instruments

mill in 1: the procedure of refining occluding surfaces through the use of abrasive materials—see SELECTIVE GRINDING 2: the machining of boxes or other forms in cast restorations to be used as retainers for fixed or removable prostheses

milled in curve obs: see MILLED IN PATH

milled in path : a contour pattern carved into the occlusal surface of an occlusion rim during various mandibular movements by teeth or studs placed in the opposing arch

mill·ing : the machining of proximal boxes, recesses, or other forms on cast restorations to be used as retainers for fixed or removable prostheses

milling in : the procedure of refining or perfecting the occlusion of teeth by the use of abrasives between their occluding surfaces while the dentures are rubbed together in the mouth or on the articulator (GPT-3)—see MILL IN

minor connector : the connecting link between the major connector or base of a partial removable dental prosthesis and the other units of the prosthesis, such as the clasp assembly, indirect retainers, occlusal rests, or cingulum rests

mixed dentition : a stage of development during which the primary and permanent teeth function together in the mouth—syn TRANSITIONAL DENTITION

MMF: acronym for Maxillo Mandibular Fixation

mo·bile : capable of moving or being moved; movable—

mod·el : a facsimile used for display purposes; a miniature representation of something; an example for imitation or emulation; see CAST

modeling composition obs: see MODELING PLASTIC IMPRESSION COMPOUND

modeling compound obs: see MODELING PLASTIC IMPRESSION COMPOUND

modeling plastic: see MODELING PLASTIC IMPRESSION COMPOUND

modeling plastic impression compound : a thermoplastic dental impression material composed of wax, rosin, resins, and colorants

modeling wax : a wax suitable for making patterns in the fabrication of nonmetallic restorations

modes of appearance : various manners in which colors can be perceived, depending on spatial distributions and temporal variations of the light causing the sensation

modified cast: see ALTERED CAST

modified ridge lap : a ridge lap surface of a pontic that is adapted to only the facial or buccal aspect of the residual ridge

mod·i·fi·er : a substance that alters or changes the color or properties of a substance

mo·dio·lus : the area near the corner of the mouth where eight muscles converge that functionally separates the labial vestibule from the buccal vestibule

modulus of elasticity : in metallurgy, the coefficient found by dividing the unit stress, at any point up to the proportional limit, by its corresponding unit of elongation (tension) or strain. A ratio of stress to strain. As the modulus of elasticity rises, the material becomes more rigid

modulus of resilience : the work or energy required to stress a cubic inch of material (in one direction only) from zero up to the proportional limit of the material, measured by the ability of the material to withstand the momentary effect of an impact load while stresses remain within the proportional limit

mold 1: a cavity in which a substance is shaped, as a matrix for casting metal or plastics; a negative form in which an object is cast or shaped 2: the size and shape of an artificial tooth or teeth

mold chart : an illustration of the manufacturer’s shapes and sizes of denture teeth

mold guide: a selection of denture teeth demonstrating the molds offered by a manufacturer

monochromatic vision : vision in which there is no color discrimination

mon·o·mer : a chemical compound that can undergo polymerization; any molecule that can be bound to a similar molecule to form a polymer

mon·o·plane : an arbitrary plane for the arrangement of denture teeth that is flat both medial-laterally and anterior-posteriorly

monoplane articulation : the arrangement of teeth by which they are positioned in a single plane

monoplane occlusion : an occlusal arrangement wherein the posterior teeth have masticatory surfaces that lack any cuspal height

Monson curve: see CURVE OF MONSON

MORA device: acronym for Mandibular Orthopedic Repositioning Appliance, a type of removable dental prosthesis with a modification to the occlusal surfaces used with the goal of repositioning the mandible to improve neuro-muscular balance and jaw relationship

mother matrix mold : a negative form, usually in sections, used for positive casts (GPT-1)

mou·lage 1: the negative impression of a body structure 2: an impression or cast made for use, especially as evidenced in a criminal investigation 3: impression or reverse likeness of a part that produces a model when converted to a positive replica, i.e., by means of plaster

1mount·ing : the laboratory procedure of attaching a cast to an articulator or cast relater

2mount·ing: the relationship of dental casts to each other and the instrument to which they are attached; see also— SPLIT-CAST M.

mounting ring: see MOUNTING PLATE

mounting plate : removable metal or resin devices that attach to the superior and inferior members of an articulator, which are used to attach casts to the articulator

mouth guard : a removable dental prosthesis made of resilient material which is useful in reducing mouth injuries and protecting the teeth and surrounding structures from injury

mouth protector: see MOUTH GUARD

mouth rehabilitation : restoration of the form and function of the masticatory apparatus to as near normal as possible (GPT-4)

mouth stick : a device held in the mouth by a disabled person that aids in performing certain functions

MRI: acronym for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

mucobuccal fold \my???k?-b?k?al f?ld\: the line of flexure of the mucous membrane as it passes to the cheek

mucogingival: see MUCOGINGIVAL JUNCTION

mucogingival junction : the junction of gingiva and alveolar mucosa

mucolabial fold : the line of flexure of the oral mucous membrane as it passes from the maxillary or mandibular alveolar ridge to the lip

mu·co·peri·os·te·um : a term synonymous with a full-thickness flap implying the inclusion of both mucosa and periosteum during flap elevation

mu·co·sa : a mucous membrane comprised of epithelium, basement membrane, and lamina propria—see ALVEOLAR M., ORAL M.

mucosal implant: see MUCOSAL INSERT

mucosal insert : any metal form attached to the tissue surface of a removable dental prosthesis that mechanically engages undercuts in a surgically prepared mucosal site—called also button implant, intramucosal insert, mucosal implant

mu·co·si·tis : inflammation of the mucous membrane

mu·co·sta·tic : the state of the oral mucosa when external forces are not displacing it

muf·fle : the portion of a furnace, usually removable or replaceable, in which material may be placed for processing without direct exposure to heating element

Munsell chrome [Alfred H. Munsell, Massachusetts, U.S. artist and teacher, 1858-1918]: eponym for the Munsell color system chrome, which is that quality by which a strong color is distinguished from one that is weak. The departure of a color sensation from that of white or gray; the intensity of a distinctive hue color intensity—see also SATURATION

Munsell color order system : eponym for a color order system; developed in 1905, it places colors in an orderly arrangement encompassing the three attributes of hue, value, and chrome

Munsell hue [Alfred H. Munsell, Massachusetts, U.S. artist and teacher, 1858-1918]: eponym for that quality by which one color family is distinguished from another, as red from yellow, and green from blue or purple. The dimension of color determined by wavelength

Munsell value [Alfred H. Munsell, Massachusetts, U.S. artist and teacher, 1858-1918]: eponym for the relative brightness of a color. The quality of grayness in comparison to white (high value) and black, (low value); in the Munsell color system, the value of a color is determined by which gray on the value scale it matches in lightness/darkness (black is assigned a value of zero; white a value of 10)

mus·cle : an organ that by contraction produces movements of an animal; a tissue composed of contractile cells or fibers that effect movement of an organ or part of the body

muscle contraction : the shortening and development of tension in a muscle in response to stimulation

muscle contracture : a condition of high resistance to passive stretching of a muscle resulting from fibrosis of the tissues supporting the muscle or the joint; sustained increased resistance to passive stretch with reduced muscle length

muscle hyperalgesia: increased sensitivity to pain in a muscle evoked by stimulation at the site of pain in the muscle

muscle hypertenseness : increased muscular tension that is not easily released but that does not prevent normal lengthening of the muscles involved (GPT-4)

muscle hypertonicity: increased contractile activity in some motor units driven by reflex arcs from receptors in the muscle and/or alpha motor neurons of the spinal cord

muscle marking: see BORDER MOLDING

muscle relaxant : a drug or therapy that diminishes muscle tension

muscle spasm : a sudden involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles attended by pain and interference with function. It differs from muscle splinting in that the contraction is sustained even when the muscle is at rest and the pain/dysfunction is present with passive and active movements of the affected part—called also myospasm

muscle spasticity : increased muscular tension of antagonists preventing normal movement and caused by an inability to relax (a loss of reciprocal inhibition)

muscle-splinting : involuntary contraction (rigidity) of muscles occurring as a means of avoiding the pain caused by movement of the part (resistance to passive stretch). The involved muscle(s) relaxes at rest

muscle-trimming slang: see BORDER MOLDING

muscular atrophy : a wasting of muscular tissue, especially due to lack of use

muscular splinting : contraction of a muscle or group of muscles attended by interference with function and producing involuntary movement and distortion; differs from muscle spasm in that the contraction is not sustained when the muscle is at rest

musculoskeletal pain : deep, somatic pain that originates in skeletal muscles, facial sheaths, and tendons (myogenous pain), bone and periosteum (osseous pain), joint, joint capsules, and ligaments (arthralgic pain), and in soft connective tissues

mush bite : a maxillomandibular relationship record made in a softened material, frequently beeswax, without the benefit of record bases—see INTEROCCLUSAL RECORD

mutually protected articulation : an occlusal scheme in which the posterior teeth prevent excessive contact of the anterior teeth in maximum intercuspation, and the anterior teeth disengage the posterior teeth in all mandibular excursive movements. Alternatively, an occlusal scheme in which the anterior teeth disengage the posterior teeth in all mandibular excursive movements, and the posterior teeth prevent excessive contact of the anterior teeth in maximum intercuspation

mutually protected occlusion: see MUTUALLY PROTECTED ARTICULATION

my·al·gia : pain in a muscle or muscles

my·co·tic : pertaining to a mucosis; caused by fungi

mylohyoid concavity : the fossa in the mandible below the mylohyoid line in the molar region

mylohyoid groove or canal : the groove in the mandible running downward and forward toward the submandibular fossa, which contains the mylohyoid muscle, nerve, and vessels

mylohyoid region : the region on the lingual surface of the mandible marked by the mylohyoid ridge and the attachment of the mylohyoid muscle (GPT-4)

mylohyoid ridge : an oblique ridge on the lingual surface of the mandible that extends from the level of the roots of the last molar teeth and that serves as a bony attachment for the mylohyoid muscles forming the floor of the mouth

my·o·cen·tric : that terminal point in space in which, with the mandible in rest position, subsequent colonic muscle contraction will raise the mandible through the interocclusal space along the myocentric (muscle balanced) trajectory. Also described as the initial occlusal contact along the myocentric trajectory (isotonic closure of the mandible from rest position)

myofascial trigger point : a hyperirritable spot, usually within a skeletal muscle or in the muscle fascia, that is painful on compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, tenderness (secondary hyperalgesia), and autonomic phenomena

myofibrotic capsular contracture : muscle contracture resulting from the formation of excessive fibrous tissue within the muscle or its sheath

my·o·func·tion·al : relating to the function of muscles. In dentistry, the role of muscle function in the cause or correction of muscle related problems

myofunctional therapy : the use of exercises to improve the action of a group of muscles used as an adjunct to orthodontic or craniomandibular dysfunction treatment

myogenous pain : deep somatic musculoskeletal pain originating in skeletal muscles, fascial sheaths, or tendons

Myo-monitor : a digital electronic pulse generator specifically optimized for bilateral transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation of the stomatognathic system; an electrical device introduced in 1969 by Bernard Jankelson, DDS as a means of applying muscle relaxation as a prerequisite to obtain an occlusal position that would sustain a relaxed musculature

myostatic contracture : muscle contracture resulting from reduced muscle stimulation

my·o·si·tis : inflammation of muscle tissue

my·o·spasm n: see MUSCLE SPASM

my·o·ton·ia : increased muscular irritability and contractility with decreased power of relaxation; tonic muscle spasms