The muscles responsible for opening the jaw are the anterior digastric, mylohyoid, and inferior head of the lateral pterygoid. These muscles work together to depress the mandible, which allows the jaw to open.
The lateral pterygoid muscle is also involved in jaw opening, along with a few other functions. This muscle has two heads: the superior and inferior heads. The superior head helps in closing the jaw and moving it side-to-side. The inferior head, however, plays a crucial role in depressing the mandible, thus contributing to jaw opening.
While the masseter and temporalis muscles are responsible for closing the jaw, the medial pterygoid muscle helps with closing and lateral jaw movements. These muscles work together to ensure proper jaw function and movement.
