There are ________ of muscles that are responsible for chewing movements or mastication.
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "mastication muscles" to get these possible sources:
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=mastication+muscles&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
To find the answer to your question, you can start by researching the anatomy of chewing or mastication muscles. One of the main sources of information for this topic is an anatomy textbook or reliable medical websites. These sources often provide detailed information about the human musculoskeletal system.
Based on my initial knowledge, there are several muscles involved in chewing or mastication. The primary muscles responsible for these movements include:
1. Masseter muscle: This strong muscle is located on each side of the jawline and is one of the main muscles responsible for elevating the jaw and closing the mouth during chewing.
2. Temporalis muscle: Located on the side of the head above the ear, this muscle aids in jaw closure and retraction during chewing.
3. Medial pterygoid muscle: Situated on the inner side of the lower jawbone, this muscle plays a crucial role in the grinding and side-to-side movements of the jaw.
4. Lateral pterygoid muscle: Found on both sides of the jaw, this muscle helps in opening the mouth, moving the jaw forward, and also contributes to side-to-side movements during chewing.
Considering these primary muscles, it is safe to say that there are at least four muscles primarily responsible for chewing movements or mastication. However, if you are looking for a more precise or exhaustive answer, I recommend referring to specialized anatomy resources for a comprehensive list of muscles involved in chewing.