Muscles of mastication
| Muscles of mastication | |
|---|---|
Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve | |
| 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).