Question

Where does the masseter originate and insert? And what is its action?

Answer 1

The masseter muscle originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts into the mandible. Its action is to elevate the mandible for chewing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The masseter muscle in the jaw originates from the zygomatic arch of the skull and inserts into the mandible (lower jaw). Its action is to elevate the mandible, which helps in closing the mouth for chewing. The masseter muscle is the main muscle used for chewing, assisted by the temporalis muscle, which retracts the mandible. Together, these muscles enable us to exert enough pressure to bite through and chew food before swallowing.