Hawaii Massage License Practice Exam

Which muscle is primarily responsible for chewing?

1. Temporalis

2. Masseter

3. Buccinator

4. Digastric

The correct answer is: Masseter

The muscle that is primarily responsible for chewing is the masseter. This muscle plays a crucial role in the process of mastication by elevating the mandible (lower jaw), allowing for the effective grinding and crushing of food between the teeth. The masseter is situated at the back of the jaw and is one of the strongest muscles in the human body, making it essential for bringing the upper and lower jaws together during the chewing process. While the temporalis also contributes to chewing by elevating and retracting the mandible, the masseter is the primary muscle that exerts the force needed for the main movements involved in biting and chewing. The buccinator, on the other hand, is more involved in manipulating food within the mouth and keeping the bolus (the chewed mass of food) from escaping, while the digastric muscle assists with lowering the mandible rather than actively participating in the chewing action itself. Thus, the masseter is the key muscle you would focus on in the context of chewing.