jaw muscles
Bite force source
The jaw muscles are the muscles that move the lower jaw, enabling chewing, biting, and speech.
The main ones are the masseter and temporalis, which close the jaw with considerable force, and smaller muscles that open it or move it side to side.
My jaw muscles ache from clenching my teeth at night.
Squeezing tightly shut
- bruxismInvoluntary jaw clenching
- TMJJaw-skull connection, abbreviated
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- tightnessState of being constricted
spasm · pain · soreness · fatigue · stiffness · lockjaw · headache · stress
Teeth-based food breakdown
- bite forceJaw clamping pressure
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- crushingOverwhelming in intensity
- gnawingPersistent biting action
chomping · munching · crunching · nibbling · tearing · bolus · molars · incisors
Skull muscle for chewing
- hyoid boneFloating throat structure
- fasciaConnective tissue sheet
- tendonMuscle-to-bone connector
- insertionPlacing something within
Clear vocal expression
- pronunciationManner of speaking words
- enunciationClarity of spoken words
- phonationVocal fold vibration
- consonantsLetters that aren't vowels
clarity · diction · talking · singing · yawning · mouth shape · voice projection · syllables
Soft tissue manipulation
- stretchingExtending muscles or material
- relaxationState of being unwound
- physical therapyRehabilitative movement-based medical care
- exercisesActivities for fitness
heat therapy · ultrasound · dry needling · botox · splint · posture correction · stress management · biofeedback
clenching
Squeezing tightly shut
tightness · spasm · pain · soreness · fatigue · stiffness · lockjaw · headache · stress · teeth grinding
mastication
Teeth-based food breakdown
- bite forceJaw clamping pressure
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- crushingOverwhelming in intensity
gnawing · chomping · munching · crunching · nibbling · tearing · bolus · molars · incisors · premolars
temporalis
Skull muscle for chewing
- hyoid boneFloating throat structure
- fasciaConnective tissue sheet
- tendonMuscle-to-bone connector
insertion · origin · innervation · motor neurons · bilateral
articulation
Clear vocal expression
- pronunciationManner of speaking words
- enunciationClarity of spoken words
- phonationVocal fold vibration
consonants · clarity · diction · talking · singing · yawning · mouth shape · voice projection · syllables · speech therapy
massage
Soft tissue manipulation
- stretchingExtending muscles or material
- relaxationState of being unwound
- physical therapyRehabilitative movement-based medical care
exercises · heat therapy · ultrasound · dry needling · botox · splint · posture correction · stress management · biofeedback · manual therapy
jaw muscleseye muscles
jaw, muscle, muscles, masticate, mandible, musculature, masseter