What are the muscles of mastication?

The muscles of mastication are the muscles responsible for chewing and moving the mandible. They include principal muscles (Temporalis, Masseter, Medial and Lateral Pterygoids) and accessory muscles (Digastric, Buccinator, Mylohyoid, Geniohyoid).

What nerve innervates the muscles of mastication?

All principal muscles of mastication are innervated by the mandibular nerve (V3), a branch of the trigeminal nerve.

What is the function of the masseter muscle?

The masseter muscle primarily elevates the mandible to close the mouth during chewing.

How does the temporalis muscle move the jaw?

The temporalis muscle elevates the mandible with its anterior fibers and retracts it with its posterior fibers.

What are the accessory muscles of mastication and what do they do?

Accessory muscles of mastication include the Digastric (depresses mandible), Buccinator (compresses cheeks), and Mylohyoid and Geniohyoid (elevate mouth floor and assist depression).

Where are the muscles of mastication located?

The principal muscles are in or around the infratemporal fossa and insert on the mandibular ramus, with specific locations like the temporal fossa for temporalis.

How are the muscles of mastication tested clinically?

Clinically, muscles of mastication are tested by having the patient clench their jaw while palpating the temporalis and masseter.

Muscles of Mastication – Masseter, Temporalis, Pterygoids

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