[Grammar] A/the schematic cross section

[kadioguy]

(In Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary)

Schematic cross section of an anterior (left) and a posterior (right) tooth in the maxilla.

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The determiner before the "Schematic cross section" is omitted. I know that this kind of use is usual. However, what is the complete form of it?

a. A schematic cross section of an anterior (left) and a posterior (right) tooth ....

b. The schematic cross section schematic cross section of an anterior (left) and a posterior (right) tooth ....

What different effects exist between (a) and (b)? That is, in what context should we use (a), and in what context, (b)?

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(Source)

 

[GoesStation]

The article is omitted in captions. There's no need to find a way to put it back.

 

[kadioguy]

The article is omitted in captions. There's no need to find a way to put it back.

That's true. There's no need to put back the determiner. However, native speakers know what it should be if there was one, but I don't. That's why I asked the question.

Imagine this:

Teacher: Here, this is a/the schematic cross section of a tooth in the maxilla.

What different effects exist between "a" and "the"? I think the answer can be also applied to my question in post #1.

 

[emsr2d2]

If I had to turn it into a full sentence, I'd start with "Here is a ...". There are, no doubt, other schematic cross sections of an anterior (left) and a posterior (right) tooth available.

 

[kadioguy]

If I had to turn it into a full sentence, I'd start with "Here is a ...". There are, no doubt, other schematic cross sections of an anterior (left) and a posterior (right) tooth available.

a. A schematic cross section of an anterior (left) and a posterior (right) tooth ....

b. The schematic cross section schematic cross section of an anterior (left) and a posterior (right) tooth ....

So use "a" means there are other schematic cross sections of an anterior (left) and a posterior (right) tooth in the book, while use "the" means there is only one. That's how I understand it now.

 

[GoesStation]

Teacher: Here, this is a/the schematic cross section of a tooth in the maxilla.

What different effects exist between "a" and "the"? I think the answer can be also applied to my question in post #1.

A schematic cross section: one of several. The schematic cross section: The specific schematic cross section we were talking about or had in mind.

This is no different from other cases involving definite and indefinite articles.

 

[emsr2d2]

a. A schematic cross section of an anterior (left) and a posterior (right) tooth ....

b. The schematic cross section schematic cross section of an anterior (left) and a posterior (right) tooth ....

So use "a" means there are other schematic cross sections of an anterior (left) and a posterior (right) tooth in the book, while use "the" means there is only one. That's how I understand it now.

It's not that simple, though, as usual! It depends on the rest of the sentence and, potentially, whether the sentence comes before or after the diagram. Here are three scenarios:

1. Diagram at bottom of page. At top of page, something like "Please see the schematic cross section ... below".
2. Directly above the picture: "Here is a schematic cross section ...".
3. After the picture: "As shown in the schematic cross section ... above ...".

So no, using "the" doesn't mean there is only one in existence. Using "the" in 1 and 3 makes it clear that it refers to the one and only schematic cross section shown on that page. In all of those sentences, it's entirely possible that one, two or a hundred other schematics exist somewhere else.

 

[jutfrank]

However, what is the complete form of it?

a. A schematic cross section of an anterior (left) and a posterior (right) tooth ....

b. The schematic cross section schematic cross section of an anterior (left) and a posterior (right) tooth ....

a.