Which muscle is a mandibular elevator that is also active in mandibular protrusion?

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

Answer: (C)

Elevating the mandible is accomplished by three muscles: temporalis, masseter, and the medial pterygoid. Protrusion, or forward movement, is driven mainly by the lateral pterygoid, but the medial pterygoid also participates as a synergist when the jaw moves forward. This combination means the medial pterygoid acts as a mandibular elevator and is actively involved in protrusion, especially when coordinated with the lateral pterygoid to push the mandible forward and stabilize it during forward movement. The temporalis primarily handles retrusion and elevation, and the lateral pterygoid, while essential for protrusion, is not an elevator, so it doesn’t fit the description as well.