Anatomy and Physiology of the Head and Neck Muscles

What is the function of the optic nerve?

Carries visual impulses from the rods and cones on the retinal surface of the eye to the visual cortex of the brain.

Which cranial nerve is known as the oculomotor nerve?

Cranial Nerve III.

What muscles are innervated by the trigeminal nerve?

Muscles of the 1st (mandibular) arch including the temporalis and masseter muscles.

What is the primary function of the masseter muscle?

It is the primary biting muscle that helps close the jaw.

What is the role of the lateral pterygoid muscle?

It helps in moving the jaw forward and side to side during chewing.

What is the function of the digastric muscle?

It assists in lowering the jaw.

What is the composition of the pulp cavity in a tooth?

Contains blood vessels and nerves, surrounded by loose connective tissue.

What is the hardest material in the human body?

Enamel, which is composed of 96% hydroxyapatite.

What are the types of teeth and their functions?

Incisors (cutting), canines (tearing), premolars (crushing), and molars (grinding).

What is the function of the orbicularis oculi muscle?

It is responsible for closing the eyes, blinking, and squinting.

What is the role of the buccinator muscle?

It aids in chewing and moving food within the mouth.

What is the innervation of the facial muscles?

Innervated by the facial nerve (VII).

What is the function of the levator labii superioris muscle?

It elevates the upper lip.

What are the three types of papillae on the tongue?

Fungiform, foliate, and vallate papillae.

What is the function of the submandibular gland?

It produces saliva and has ducts that open into the mouth.

What is the function of the pharyngeal muscles?

They assist in swallowing and elevating the soft palate.

What is the role of the olfactory nerve?

It carries sensory input for the sense of smell from the nasal cavity.

What is the function of the temporalis muscle?

It helps in closing the jaw and is involved in biting.

What is the role of the pterygoid muscles?

They assist in side-to-side movement of the jaw during chewing.

What is the function of the mentalis muscle?

It elevates and protrudes the lower lip.

What is the role of the zygomaticus major muscle?

It pulls the corners of the mouth upward, contributing to smiling.

What is the function of the platysma muscle?

It helps in depressing the lower lip and tensing the skin of the neck.

What is the structure of the periodontal ligament?

Connective tissue that surrounds the tooth root and attaches it to the alveolar bone.

What is the significance of the apical foramen?

It is the hole at the bottom of the root of the tooth that allows blood vessels and nerves to enter.

What are the functions of the salivary glands?

They produce saliva to aid in digestion and maintain oral health.

What is the function of the glossopharyngeal nerve?

It innervates muscles of the 3rd arch and is involved in swallowing.