Final answer:
The lateral pterygoid muscle is the one that does not raise the mandible against the maxilla with considerable force. It primarily assists in opening the mandible, unlike the masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoid which elevate the mandible during mastication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Identification of Muscle that Does Not Raise the Mandible
The muscles primarily involved in elevating the mandible to allow for the process of mastication (chewing) are the masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoid. The masseter is the main muscle for this action, as it elevates the mandible to close the mouth. The temporalis assists in this process, known for retracting the mandible and being felt at the temples during chewing.
The action of the medial pterygoid muscle includes moving the mandible from side to side, and also assists in elevating the mandible. However, the lateral pterygoid is known for its role in opening the mandible and moving it from side to side, not for elevating it with considerable force against the maxilla. Therefore, the answer to the question is (D) Lateral pterygoid, as it is the muscle that does not raise the mandible against the maxilla with considerable force.