Mm of Mastication

Question 1

Masseter

Answer 1

attachments- from the zygomatic arch to the angle of the mandible & lateral aspect of the ramus

function- elevation, protraction and retraction (deep fibers) of the mandible

innervation- mandibular nerve V3; masseteric n. (from Trigeminal n.)

Question 2

Temporalis

Answer 2

attachments- from the temporal fossa to the coronoid process & anterior border of the ramus of the mandible

function- elevation & retraction (posterior aspect of the muscle) of the mandible

innervation- mandibular nerve V3; deep temporal n. (from Trigeminal n)

Question 3

Lateral pterygoid

Answer 3

attachments- from the infratemporal surface of the sphenoid & lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate to the neck of the mandible & the TMJ disc

function- depresses mandible, protracts & acts with the ipsilateral medial pterygoid to rotate the mandible to produce the side-to-side movements during chewing

innervation- mandibular nerve V3 (from Trigeminal n)

Question 4

Medial pterygoid

Answer 4

attachments- from the medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate & adjacent maxilla to the medial aspect of the angle of the mandible

function- elevation of the mandible & acts with the ipsilateral lateral pterygoid to rotate the mandible to produce the side-to-side movements during trituration of food

innervation- mandibular nerve V3 (from Trigeminal n)