MUSCLES OF MASTICATION
Overview and Topographic Anatomy
Overview and Topographic Anatomy
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mastication is the process of chewing food in preparation for deglutition (swallowing) and digestion
All muscles of mastication originate on the skull and insert on the mandible
All muscles of mastication are innervated by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
All muscles of mastication are derivatives of the 1st pharyngeal arch
Movements of the mandible are classified as:
• Side-to-side (lateral) excursion