The coronoid process of the mandible serves as an attachment site for which muscle?

• A. Temporalis
• B. Masseter
• C. Medial Pterygoid
• D. Lateral Pterygoid

Answer: (A)

The coronoid process is the attachment point for the temporalis muscle. The temporalis arises from the temporal fossa and the temporal fascia and inserts onto the coronoid process of the mandible. This arrangement gives the muscle a powerful lever to elevates the mandible, closing the jaw, and, with its posterior fibers, to retract the jaw when grinding. The other muscles attach to different parts of the mandible: the masseter mainly to the lateral surface and angle, the medial pterygoid to the medial surface near the angle, and the lateral pterygoid to the neck of the mandible and the TMJ articular disc.