The primary chewing muscle is called the masseter muscle.
The masseter muscle plays a critical role in mastication (chewing). Its functions include:
- Elevation of the Mandible: The masseter muscle is responsible for lifting the lower jaw (mandible), which is crucial for bringing the teeth together to crush and grind food.
- Approximation of Teeth: It also helps to approximate or bring the upper and lower teeth into proper contact for effective chewing.
- Retraction of the Mandible: Certain parts of the masseter muscle, specifically the intermediate and deep fibers, work to retract the mandible, pulling it backward.
- Protrusion of the Mandible: The superficial fibers of the masseter have the opposite effect, protruding the mandible, or pushing it forward.
These combined functions demonstrate how the masseter muscle is the core muscle in the chewing process.
