Anatomy
Origin:
Pterygomandibular raphe, mandible, and alveolar processes of maxilla and mandible.
Insertion:
Angle of the mouth, some fibres forming deep layers of orbicularis oris.
Key Relations:
-The parotid duct pierces the muscle opposite the maxillary 3rd molar, before opening into the cavity of the mouth opposite the maxillary 2nd molar.
-Often grouped with the muscles of facial expression despite being more active during mastication.
Functions
-Contraction presses the cheek against the teeth in chewing to keep the bolus of food between the molars.
-Also acts in sucking air into or forcing air out of the mouth.
e.g. playing wind instruments and whistling..
Supply
Nerve Supply:
Buccal branch of facial nerve (CN 7).
Blood Supply:
-Branches of the facial artery
-Buccal branch of maxillary artery.
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