Muscles of mastication

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Muscles of Mastication[edit | edit source]

The Muscles of Mastication are a group of muscles that are primarily responsible for the act of chewing or mastication. These muscles are located in the jaw and are essential for the mechanical breakdown of food. There are four main muscles of mastication: the Masseter, the Temporalis, the Medial Pterygoid, and the Lateral Pterygoid.

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The four main muscles of mastication: Masseter, Temporalis, Medial Pterygoid, and Lateral Pterygoid.

Masseter[edit | edit source]

The Masseter is the most superficial of the four muscles, and it is also the strongest. It originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts into the angle and lateral surface of the mandible. Its primary function is to elevate the mandible, or close the jaw.

Temporalis[edit | edit source]

The Temporalis is a fan-shaped muscle that originates from the temporal fossa and the fascia covering the temporalis. It inserts into the coronoid process of the mandible. The temporalis elevates and retracts the mandible.

Medial Pterygoid[edit | edit source]

The Medial Pterygoid is a thick, quadrilateral muscle that is located on the inner side of the mandible. It works in conjunction with the masseter to elevate the mandible and close the jaw.

Lateral Pterygoid[edit | edit source]

The Lateral Pterygoid is the only muscle of mastication that assists in opening the jaw. It also helps to protrude the mandible and move it from side to side.

Function[edit | edit source]

The muscles of mastication work together to move the jaw in a variety of ways, including elevation (closing the mouth), depression (opening the mouth), protrusion (pushing the jaw forward), and retraction (pulling the jaw backward). They also allow for side-to-side movement of the jaw, which is important for grinding food.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Dysfunction or pain in the muscles of mastication can lead to a variety of conditions, including Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD), bruxism (teeth grinding), and trismus (lockjaw).

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD