Question

the ______ helps keep food between the grinding surfaces of the teeth during chewing.
a) mentalis
b) orbicularis oris
c) buccinator
d) risorius

Explanation:

• The mentalis muscle elevates and protrudes the lower lip.
• The orbicularis oris muscle closes the mouth.
• The buccinator muscle helps keep food between the grinding surfaces of the teeth during chewing. It presses the cheek against the teeth.
• The risorius muscle pulls the angle of the mouth laterally.

Answer:

C. buccinator