1. Overall Classification: UNCLASSIFIED//REL TO NATO/ISAF

2.  Myology is the science that deals with the study of muscles. AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

3.  Muscle is responsible for all movement in the body through its ability to shorten (contract) when stimulated and to return to its original length upon relaxation.  Thus the function of the muscular system is to contract and relax, bringing about movement AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

5.  Four powerful muscles, the masseter, the temporal, the medial (internal) pterygoid and the lateral (external) pterygoid are described as muscles of mastication. AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

6. Masseter Muscle  The action of the muscle is that of a powerful elevator of the lower jaw, closing the jaws and exerting pressure upon the teeth, especially in the molar region. AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

7.  Temporal Muscle (Temporalis)  The temporal muscle, built for movement, rather than power, is mainly an elevator of the mandible. AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

8.  Temporal Muscle (Temporalis) AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

9. Medial Pterygoid Muscle  It functions in elevating the mandible, slightly in protrusion and in side to side movement of the mandible during mastication. AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

10. Medial Pterygoid Muscle AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

11. Lateral Pterygoid Muscle  When this muscle contracts, the head of the condyle will go in a forward, downward and inward direction along the posterior slope of the articular eminence. AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

12. Lateral Pterygoid Muscle AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

13. Lateral Pterygoid Muscle AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

15. Mylohyoid Muscle  The mylohyoid forms, anatomically and functionally, the floor of the oral cavity.  Its action is to raise the hyoid bone and floor of the mouth during the act of swallowing. AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

16. Mylohyoid Muscle AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

17. THE FACIAL MUSCLES AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

18. THE FACIAL MUSCLES  Almost all of these muscles have an influence on facial expression. AFAMS Dental Advisor Team

19. Overall Classification: UNCLASSIFIED//REL TO NATO/ISAF