What are the elevated crests of enamel that form mesial and distal margins of the occlusal surface called?

The elevated crests of enamel that define the mesial and distal margins of the occlusal surface are referred to as marginal ridges. These structures are important for various reasons, including their role in occlusion and the proper alignment of teeth during chewing. The marginal ridges serve as boundaries that help to form the contours of the tooth and contribute to its overall anatomy.

While other options may describe features of a tooth, they do not specifically pertain to the mesial and distal elevations. Anterior ridges are not a recognized term in dental anatomy. Cusp tips refer to the pointed elevations on the occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars, while triangular ridges are the ridges that extend from the tips of the cusps towards the central part of the occlusal surface. Thus, the identification of marginal ridges is central to understanding the structure and function of teeth, particularly in relation to occlusion and the interdigitation of teeth during function.