Muscles of Mastication Flashcards
Name the four muscles of mastication?
The temporalis, masseter, lateral pterygoid and medial pterygoid
Where does the temporalis attach?
The temporal fossa and coronoid process of the mandible
What happens when anterior fibres of the temporalis contracts?
Elevation
What happens when posterior fibres of the temporalis contracts?
Retraction
Where does the masseter attach?
The zygomatic arch of the temporal bone and the outer surface of ramus and maxillary process of the mandible
What is the action of the masseter?
To elevate mandible and close mouth
What surface does the lateral pterygoid attach to?
The lateral surface of the pterygoid plate
What surface does the medial pterygoid attach to?
The medial surface of the pterygoid plate
What happens when two medial pterygoid muscles contract?
Elevation
What happens when two lateral pterygoid muscles contract?
Protraction of jaw
What muscles depress the mandible?
The suprahyoid muscles
What innervates muscles of mastication?
Mandibular branch of trigeminal
