Muscles of Mastication (contd)

The result of the synchronised movements of the muscles of mastication produce rythmic separation and apposition of the maxilla and mandible while allowing limited forward, backward and lateral movements to ensure appropriate contact with the different types of teeth. This ensures proper mastication and mechanical maceration of the food. Apart from macerating the food, chewing turns it into a bolus - food mixed with air and saliva and fashioned into a soft lubricated mass with a volume of 5-15 ml.

The muscles of the tongue and the cheek are important in maintaining the food between the chewing surfaces.