Which group of muscles contributes to the closing of the mandible?

The group of muscles that primarily contributes to the closing of the mandible is the masseter and temporalis. Both of these muscles are crucial for the process of chewing and clenching.

The masseter muscle is one of the strongest muscles in the body, specifically designed for elevating the jaw. Its position allows it to exert significant force on the mandible when contracting, facilitating the closure of the jaw during biting and chewing activities.

The temporalis muscle also plays a vital role in this action. It is located on the side of the head and has a broad origin that allows it to effectively elevate and retract the mandible. When activated, the temporalis muscle assists in closing the mouth by pulling the mandible upward and backward, complementing the action of the masseter.

In contrast, the other groups of muscles listed either assist in different movements or are involved in opening the mandible rather than closing it. Therefore, masseter and temporalis are integral to the function of elevating and closing the mandible effectively.