HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which muscle is known as the principal cheek muscle?

1. Temporalis

2. Masseter

3. Buccinator

4. Orbicularis oris

The correct answer is: Buccinator

The buccinator muscle is referred to as the principal cheek muscle because it plays a vital role in manipulating food within the mouth during chewing and helps to control the movements of the cheeks. It forms the lateral wall of the oral cavity and is primarily responsible for compressing the cheeks against the teeth, which aids in processes such as sucking, blowing, and keeping food positioned properly during mastication. Understanding the buccinator's function is essential in dentistry and oral health, as it influences not only eating but also speech and facial expressions. In contrast, the temporalis and masseter muscles are primarily involved in jaw movements and are more focused on the mechanics of chewing rather than the functions of the cheeks. The orbicularis oris is essential for movements of the lips, such as puckering and closing the mouth, but it does not fulfill the role of the principal muscle in the cheeks like the buccinator does.