muscles of mastication
Sure! Here's a short lecture on the muscles of mastication: **Muscles of Mastication** The muscles of mastication are a group of powerful muscles located in the head and neck region. They play a crucial role in the process of chewing or mastication, which is essential for breaking down food into smaller particles for easier swallowing and digestion. There are four primary muscles of mastication, and they are all innervated by the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (Cranial nerve V). 1. **Masseter Muscle:** The masseter is the strongest muscle of mastication and is responsible for elevating the mandible (lower jaw) during the closing of the mouth. It is a thick, quadrilateral muscle located on the lateral aspect of the mandible. 2. **Temporalis Muscle:** The temporalis muscle is a broad, fan-shaped muscle covering the temporal bone. It assists in elevating and retracting the mandible, as well as providing stability to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). 3. **Med