Anatomy & Histology · single question

Which muscle does NOT involve closing the mouth (elevation of mandible)?

  1. Anterior belly of Digastric
  2. Masseter
  3. Medial Pterygoid
  4. Temporalis
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Correct answer: A. Anterior belly of Digastric

Muscles of MASTICATION that CLOSE the mouth (elevate mandible): Masseter, Temporalis, Medial Pterygoid, and Superior fibers of Lateral Pterygoid. The DIGASTRIC (anterior belly) is a SUPRAHYOID muscle that OPENS the mouth (depresses mandible) when the hyoid is fixed. Similarly, Mylohyoid and Geniohyoid are mouth openers/depressors. The SUPERIOR FIBERS of lateral pterygoid actually help stabilize the condyle during closure, not open. The ANTERIOR BELLY OF DIGASTRIC does NOT close the mouth. A is correct.

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