Which muscle assists in the process of mastication?

The muscle that assists in the process of mastication is the masseter. The masseter is one of the primary muscles involved in chewing, responsible for elevating the mandible (jawbone) to enable the grinding and tearing of food. It is a powerful muscle located at the back of the jaw, attaching to the zygomatic arch (cheekbone) and the mandible. Its strength and position make it particularly effective for the functions of biting and chewing, which are critical aspects of mastication.

In contrast, the digastric muscle plays a role in the depression of the mandible but is not a primary mover in mastication. The cervicalis does not have any significant involvement in the process of chewing, focusing more on movements and stabilization of the neck. Similarly, the brachialis muscle is located in the arm and is responsible for elbow flexion, which is unrelated to the process of mastication. Understanding the specific roles of each muscle can help clarify why the masseter is essential for chewing.