Anatomy & Physiology of the Orofacial Complex Flashcards

Which muscle is the primary elevator of the mandible during jaw closure?

Answer: All three contribute equally

The masseter, medial pterygoid, and temporalis all contribute to mandibular elevation; no single muscle acts as the sole primary elevator.

The hyoglossus muscle originates from the hyoid bone and its primary action is to:

Answer: Depress and retract the tongue

The hyoglossus depresses and retracts the tongue by pulling it downward and posteriorly.

Which cranial nerve provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication?

Answer: CN V3 (Mandibular branch of trigeminal)

The mandibular branch (V3) of the trigeminal nerve provides motor innervation to all four muscles of mastication.

The palatoglossus muscle is unique among tongue muscles because it is innervated by:

Answer: CN X (Vagus nerve)

Unlike all other tongue muscles innervated by CN XII, the palatoglossus is innervated by the vagus nerve (CN X) via the pharyngeal plexus.

The Passavant's ridge is formed by contraction of which muscle during velopharyngeal closure?

Answer: Superior pharyngeal constrictor

Passavant's ridge is a prominence formed by contraction of the superior pharyngeal constrictor, assisting velopharyngeal closure.

Which salivary gland produces primarily serous secretions and drains via the parotid (Stensen's) duct?

Answer: Parotid gland

The parotid gland is predominantly serous and its secretion drains through the parotid duct opposite the upper second molar.

During nasal breathing, the turbinates (conchae) serve primarily to:

Answer: Warm, humidify, and filter incoming air

The turbinates increase mucosal surface area to warm, humidify, and filter air before it reaches the lower airways.