[Masticatory muscles. Part III. Biomechanics of the masticatory muscles]

The masticatory muscles are able to produce forces. These forces may cause movements of the lower jaw. Furthermore, they can be applied by the teeth for the generation of bite or chewing forces. During these kind of processes the temporomandibular joints will be loaded also. The interaction between forces and movements in the masticatory system is complex but obeys the relatively simple laws of mechanics. By application of these laws the development of joint loading, force patterns and movements during masticatory function and dysfunction can be understood. This is illustrated by a few examples of both statical and dynamical masticatory performance.