Final answer:
The muscles of mastication that attach to the sagittal crest are involved in chewing. The masseter is the main muscle for this action but does not attach to the sagittal crest. Instead, the temporalis muscle, which assists in chewing by retracting the mandible, attaches to areas near the sagittal crest.
Step-by-step explanation:
The muscles of mastication that attach to the sagittal crest are primarily involved in the process of chewing, or mastication. The masseter muscle is the main muscle used for chewing as it elevates the mandible (lower jaw) to close the mouth. However, the masseter muscle does not attach to the sagittal crest; instead, the temporalis muscle, which assists in chewing by retracting the mandible, attaches to the temporal lines that are adjacent to the sagittal crest on the skull. As you chew, you can feel the temporalis move by placing your fingers on your temple. The sagittal crest serves as an attachment point for the temporalis muscle in species that have it, providing leverage and strength for the powerful biting necessary for the mastication process.