Question

multiple choice question

which facial muscle is indicated in the illustration?

temporalis
masseter
buccinator
orbicularis oris

Explanation:

Identify the anatomical region and pointer location

The illustration shows a lateral view of the human head with several superficial and deep muscles of facial expression and mastication exposed. The black arrow points directly to a thick, quadrilateral muscle located on the lateral aspect of the ramus of the mandible.

Analyze the candidate muscles

• Temporalis: This is a broad, fan-shaped muscle situated on the side of the head, filling the temporal fossa. It is visible higher up on the skull in the illustration.
• Masseter: This is a powerful, thick, rectangular muscle of mastication that extends from the zygomatic arch down to the lateral surface of the angle and ramus of the mandible. The pointer is directly targeting this muscle.
• Buccinator: This is a thin, flat muscle of the cheek located in the interval between the maxilla and the mandible, deeper and more anterior than the masseter.
• Orbicularis oris: This is a complex of muscles in the lips that encircles the mouth, located anteriorly around the oral opening.

Match the pointer to the correct muscle

The arrow points directly to the Masseter muscle, which is one of the primary muscles of mastication responsible for elevating the mandible (closing the jaw).

Answer:

• Temporalis
• Masseter (Correct answer)
• Buccinator
• Orbicularis oris