Hawaii Massage License Practice Exam

Which muscle is responsible for closing the mandible?

1. Masseter

2. Temporalis

3. Buccinator

4. Pterygoid

The correct answer is: Temporalis

The muscle responsible for closing the mandible is the masseter. This powerful muscle plays a crucial role in the process of biting and chewing, as it elevates the mandible to allow for the closure of the jaw. The masseter originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts into the angle and ramus of the mandible. Its strong contraction helps crush and grind food, making it essential for effective mastication. While the temporalis muscle also assists in closing the mandible, its primary function includes elevating the jaw and retracting it. The buccinator is primarily involved in manipulating food within the mouth and helping with actions like blowing and sucking rather than closing the mandible. The pterygoid muscles have roles in both elevating and moving the mandible side to side but are not the main muscles for closing the jaw. Understanding these distinctions is important for those studying muscle functions related to mastication and the anatomy of the jaw.