What are the names of the four muscles of mastication?

The four muscles of mastication are correctly identified as the masseter, temporalis, internal pterygoid, and external pterygoid. These muscles play vital roles in the process of chewing (mastication), each contributing to the movements required for biting and grinding food.

The masseter muscle is one of the strongest muscles involved in this process, as it elevates the mandible (lower jaw) to close the mouth. The temporalis muscle assists in elevating and retracting the mandible, providing the necessary force during chewing. The internal and external pterygoid muscles facilitate the lateral and forward movements of the jaw, allowing for the grinding action of the teeth.

Understanding the specific functions of each of these muscles helps in grasping how the jaw operates effectively during chewing and the overall process of digestion. This knowledge is essential in both dental assisting and in understanding oral health, as issues with these muscles can lead to problems such as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).

The other listed options contain muscles that are either not related to mastication or are not positioned in the same functional role. For instance, muscles like the buccinator and orbicularis oris are involved in facial expression and not directly in the