Muscles of mastication

Question 1

What are the 4 muscles of mastication

Answer 1

Masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid and lateral pterygoid

Question 2

Masseter muscle (origin, insertion and nerve supply)

Answer 2

Superior head: Temporal aspect of zygomatic bone
Deep head: Medial surface of zygomatic arch
Insertion: Ramus
Function: Elevate the mouth and protrudes the mandible
Nerve supply: Anterior branch of mandibular nerve

Question 3

Temporalis

Answer 3

Origin: Temporal bone
Insertion: Coronoid process
Narrows into a tendon and passes between the lateral aspect of the skull and the zygomatic arch
Function: Elevates the mouth and retrudes the mandible

Question 4

Medial pterygoid

Answer 4

Superior head: Maxillary tuberosity and pyramidal process of palatine bone
Deep head: Medial surface of lateral pterygoid plate
Insertion: Medial surface of ramus
Nerve supply: Main trunk of mandibular nerve

Question 5

Lateral pteygoid

Answer 5

Superior head: Greater wing of sphenoid bone
Inferior head: Lateral surface of lateral pterygoid plate
Insertion: Neck of condyle
Function: Depresses the mandible
Nerve supply: Anterior branch of mandibular nerve