Final answer:
The muscle of mastication that attaches to the zygomatic bones is the masseter muscle. It stretches from the zygomatic arch downward to the mandible, aiding in the elevation of the jaw for the biting and chewing process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Muscle of Mastication that Attaches to the Zygomatic Bones
- When examining the lateral view of the skull, an important structure observed is the zygomatic arch. It is here where one of the primary muscles of mastication, which is responsible for elevating the mandible to facilitate chewing, finds its attachment. This muscle is known as the masseter. The zygomatic arch is formed by two processes: the anterior temporal process of the zygomatic bone, commonly referred to as the cheekbone, and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. The masseter muscle spans vertically from the zygomatic arch to the mandible, playing a critical role in biting and chewing by pulling the mandible upward.
- The masseter, along with the temporalis muscle, are primarily responsible for the elevation and closing of the jaw. Assisting in the process of mastication are also the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles. However, it is the masseter muscle that is specifically associated with the broad zygomatic bones.