How many muscles make up the muscles of mastication?

The correct answer is four, as there are four primary muscles that make up the muscles of mastication. These muscles are essential for the process of chewing and are responsible for the movements of the jaw. The four muscles are the masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid.

The masseter and temporalis muscles primarily facilitate the elevation and closure of the jaw, while the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles allow for the further movements needed for chewing, such as side-to-side motion and the depression of the mandible. Understanding these muscles is crucial for dental assistants as they play a vital role in functions related to oral health, dental procedures, and the diagnosis of various conditions affecting the jaw and dental structures.