Muscles of mastication | |
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Details | |
Nerve | Mandibular nerve |
Identifiers | |
Latin | musculi masticatorii |
MeSH | D008410 |
TA98 | A04.1.04.001 |
TA2 | 2104 |
FMA | 74060 |
Anatomical terms of muscle |
The four classical muscles of mastication elevate the mandible (closing the jaw) and move it forward/backward and laterally, facilitating biting and chewing. Other muscles are responsible for opening the jaw, namely the geniohyoid, mylohyoid, and digastric muscles (the lateral pterygoid may play a role).