Final answer:
The correct answer is C. Occlusal, which is the surface of the tooth that comes in contact with the opposite tooth during the act of chewing or mastication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surface of the tooth that meets the opposite tooth during mastication is the occlusal surface. The occlusal surface is the part of the tooth that comes in contact with its counterpart in the opposing jaw during chewing. This surface is crucial for breaking down food effectively before swallowing. Anatomy of a Tooth reveals that teeth are anchored in the alveolar processes of the maxilla and the mandible, surrounded by gums, and held in place by the periodontal ligament. The masticatory process is aided by various types of teeth, including incisors for biting, canines for tearing, premolars (bicuspids) for mashing, and molars for crushing food. The masseter muscle plays a key role in this process through its action in chewing. Hence, the correct answer to the question about which surface meets the opposite tooth during mastication is C. Occlusal.