Mandibular, Velum, & Pharyngeal Muscles

Mandibular Muscles(muscles of mastication)

Among strongest muscles in the body and required for proper
food preparation

Mandibular Elevators

Masseter,Temporalis,Medial Pterygoid

Depressors

Anterior Belly of Digastric, Mylohyoid, Geniohyoid, Platysma

Muscle of Protrusion

Lateral Pterygoid

Masseter

largest, most powerful muscle of mastication. helps place maximum force on molars/elevates mandible

temporalis location

deep to masseter

mylohyoid

forms muscular floor of mouth

muscles of velum elevate structure to:

separate oral and nasal areas

what do soft palate muscles do during most speaking time/during swallowing?

muscles are elevated

soft palate muscles are depressed only when using few speech sounds such as:

/m/,/n/, /ŋ/

When velum is raise/lowered it changes:

the resonant characteristics of the vocal tract

eustacian tube function

-Aerate the middle ear, equalizing air pressure across the
eardrum
-Drain fluid accumulated in the
middle ear

eustacian tube length

35-38 mm