The primary muscle for protrusion of the mandible is which?

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Multiple Choice

The primary muscle for protrusion of the mandible is which?

Explanation:
Protrusion of the mandible is produced mainly by the lateral pterygoid muscles. When both sides contract, the inferior heads pull the condyles forward (with the superior heads helping to position the articular discs anteriorly), translating the mandible into a forward bite. The other muscles around the jaw are mainly involved in elevation or retraction: the masseter and temporalis are primary jaw closers (with the temporalis also having retrusive fibers), and the medial pterygoid assists with elevation and can contribute to protrusion only to a lesser extent. Therefore, the lateral pterygoid is the key muscle driving protrusion.

Protrusion of the mandible is produced mainly by the lateral pterygoid muscles. When both sides contract, the inferior heads pull the condyles forward (with the superior heads helping to position the articular discs anteriorly), translating the mandible into a forward bite. The other muscles around the jaw are mainly involved in elevation or retraction: the masseter and temporalis are primary jaw closers (with the temporalis also having retrusive fibers), and the medial pterygoid assists with elevation and can contribute to protrusion only to a lesser extent. Therefore, the lateral pterygoid is the key muscle driving protrusion.

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