Question

question 4
which of the following chewing muscles is specifically a muscle that protrudes and depresses the mandible?
masseter
lateral pterygoid
medial pterygoid
temporalis

Explanation:

• Masseter: Its main function is elevation of the mandible (closing the jaw).
• Lateral Pterygoid: When both sides contract, it protrudes the mandible; when one side contracts, it helps in side - to - side movement and also assists in depression (opening) of the mandible.
• Medial Pterygoid: Similar to the masseter in its role of mandibular elevation.
• Temporalis: Its anterior fibers elevate the mandible, and the posterior fibers retract the mandible.

Answer:

Lateral Pterygoid