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Ch. 11 The Muscular System
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology 12th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMartini, Nath, Bartholomew 12th EditionCh. 11 The Muscular SystemProblem 7
Chapter 11, Problem 7

The strongest masticatory muscle is the
(a) Pterygoid
(b) Masseter
(c) Temporalis
(d) Mandible

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1
Step 1: Understand the question is asking about the strongest masticatory muscle, which is a muscle involved in chewing.
Step 2: Review the options given: (a) Pterygoid, (b) Masseter, (c) Temporalis, and (d) Mandible. Note that the mandible is a bone, not a muscle, so it can be excluded.
Step 3: Recall the functions and characteristics of the muscles involved in mastication: the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles all contribute to chewing movements.
Step 4: Identify which muscle is known for its strength and primary role in elevating the mandible to close the jaw, which is the masseter muscle.
Step 5: Conclude that the masseter is considered the strongest masticatory muscle based on its size, position, and function.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Masticatory Muscles

Masticatory muscles are the group of muscles responsible for chewing movements. They include the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, each contributing to jaw movement and force generation during mastication.
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Masseter Muscle

The masseter is a thick, powerful muscle located at the side of the jaw. It plays a major role in elevating the mandible (closing the jaw) and is considered the strongest muscle based on its ability to exert force during chewing.
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Temporalis and Pterygoid Muscles

The temporalis muscle assists in elevating and retracting the mandible, while the pterygoid muscles help in side-to-side movements and protrusion of the jaw. Both are important for complex jaw motions but are generally less powerful than the masseter.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

The muscle that rotates the eye medially is the

(a) Superior oblique

(b) Inferior rectus

(c) Medial rectus

(d) Lateral rectus

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Textbook Question

The more movable end of a muscle is the

(a) Insertion

(b) Belly

(c) Origin

(d) Proximal end

(e) Distal end

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Textbook Question

Levers make action more versatile by all of the following, except

(a) Changing the location of the muscle's insertion

(b) Changing the speed of movement produced by an applied force

(c) Changing the distance of movement produced by an applied force

(d) Changing the strength of an applied force

(e) Changing the direction of an applied force

Textbook Question

The muscles of facial expression are innervated by cranial nerve

(a) VII

(b) V

(c) IV

(d) VI

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Textbook Question

The major extensor of the elbow is the

(a) Triceps brachii

(b) Biceps brachii

(c) Deltoid

(d) Subscapularis

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Textbook Question

Important flexors of the vertebral column that act in opposition to the erector spinae are the

(a) Rectus abdominis

(b) Longus capitis

(c) Longus colli

(d) Scalene

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