Which muscles elevate the mandible?

• A. Masseter and temporalis
• B. Temporalis only
• C. Lateral pterygoid
• D. Masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid

Answer: (D)

The action tested is jaw closing—elevation of the mandible. Elevation is produced by the primary jaw-closer muscles: the masseter, the temporalis, and the medial pterygoid. The masseter is a strong elevator that lifts the mandible up toward the maxilla. The temporalis, especially its vertical fibers, also elevates the mandible (with anterior fibers aiding closure and posterior fibers aiding retraction). The medial pterygoid works with the masseter to elevate the mandible and contribute to grinding movements. In contrast, the lateral pterygoid mainly opens the jaw, protrudes it, and assists in lateral movements, not elevation. Therefore, the muscles that elevate the mandible are masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoid.