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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).
The depressor anguli oris arises from the lateral surface of the mandible. [1] Its fibers then converge. It is inserted by a narrow fasciculus into the angle of the mouth. [1] At its origin, it is continuous with the platysma muscle, and at its insertion with the orbicularis oris muscle and risorius muscle.
The mylohyoid muscle elevates the hyoid bone and the tongue. This is particularly important during swallowing and speaking. Alternatively, if other muscles are used to keep the position of the hyoid bone fixed, then the mylohyoid muscle depresses the mandible. [1] It also functions as reinforcing the floor of mouth. [1]
The mylohyoid line is a bony ridge on the internal surface of the body of the mandible. The mylohyoid line extends posterosuperiorly. The mylohyoid line continues as the mylohyoid groove on the internal surface of the ramus. The mylohyoid muscle originates from the anterior (front) part of the mylohyoid line. [1]
A concerted effort of the lateral pterygoid muscles helps in lowering the mandible and opening the jaw. Unilateral action of a lateral pterygoid muscle causes contralateral excursion (a form of mastication), usually performed in concert with the medial pterygoids. [citation needed] When they work independently, they can move the mandible side ...
The geniohyoid is a paired short muscle that arises from the inferior mental spine, on the back of the mandibular symphysis, and runs backward and slightly downward, to be inserted into the anterior surface of the body of the hyoid bone. [2]: 346 It lies in contact with its fellow of the opposite side. It thus belongs to the suprahyoid muscles.
Laterally, in between the hyoglossus muscle and the mylohyoid muscle, lay several important structures (from upper to lower): sublingual gland, submandibular duct, lingual nerve, vena comitans of hypoglossal nerve, and the hypoglossal nerve.
The jaw elevator muscles develop the main forces used in mastication. The force generated during routine mastication of food such as carrots or meat is about 70 to 150 newtons (16 to 34 lbf ). The maximum masticatory force in some people may reach up to 500 to 700 newtons (110 to 160 lbf ).