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Multiple Choice
Which muscle is primarily responsible for closing the jaw during mastication?
A
Masseter
B
Orbicularis oculi
C
Frontalis
D
Sternocleidomastoid
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the function of mastication (chewing) and identify the muscles involved. Mastication requires the movement of the jaw to break down food, and specific muscles are responsible for closing the jaw.
Step 2: Review the anatomy of the jaw and the muscles associated with its movement. The primary muscles involved in mastication include the masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoid muscles.
Step 3: Focus on the masseter muscle. The masseter is one of the strongest muscles in the body and is primarily responsible for elevating (closing) the mandible during mastication.
Step 4: Compare the listed options: Orbicularis oculi is responsible for closing the eyelids, frontalis is involved in raising the eyebrows, and sternocleidomastoid is responsible for head and neck movement. None of these muscles are involved in jaw closure.
Step 5: Conclude that the masseter muscle is the correct answer because it is anatomically and functionally responsible for closing the jaw during mastication.