The chewing muscle, the masseter, is one of the strongest in the human body. It is attached to the mandible (lower jawbone). The jawbone is pivoted about a socket just in front of the auditory canal. The forces acting on the jawbone are equivalent to those acting on the curved bar as shown in the figure. ?C is the force exerted against the jawbone by the food being chewed, ?T is the tension in the masseter, and ?R is the force exerted on the mandible by the socket. Find (a) ?T and (b) ?R if you bite down on a piece of steak with a force of 50.6 N. Neglect the weight of the jawbone.   (a)T. (b)R.

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The chewing muscle, the masseter, is one of the strongest in the human body. It is attached to the mandible (lower jawbone). The jawbone is pivoted about a socket just in front of the auditory canal. The forces acting on the jawbone are equivalent to those acting on the curved bar as shown in the figure. ?C is the force exerted against the jawbone by the food being chewed, ?T is the tension in the masseter, and ?R is the force exerted on the mandible by the socket. Find (a) ?T and (b) ?R if you bite down on a piece of steak with a force of 50.6 N. Neglect the weight of the jawbone.

 

(a)T.
(b)R.
### Understanding the Mandible and Masseter

#### Diagram (a): Anatomy of the Jaw

- **Mandible**: The mandible, also known as the jawbone, is a critical structure of the human skull that facilitates chewing and talking.
- **Masseter**: This is a prominent muscle involved in the process of chewing. It is located at the side of the jaw and enables the movement of the mandible.

#### Diagram (b): Force and Lever Arm

- **Overview**: The diagram shows a lever arm model illustrating the forces acting on the mandible.
- **C, T, and R**: 
  - **C**: Represents the point where force is applied.
  - **T (Torque)**: This upward force is located 3.5 cm from point C, contributing to the rotation or pivoting action.
  - **R (Reaction)**: The point where a reactionary force occurs, situated 7.5 cm from point C.
  
Understanding these forces and structures is essential for grasping how the jaw functions during activities like chewing. This model helps to visualize how mechanical forces work in tandem with biological structures.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding the Mandible and Masseter #### Diagram (a): Anatomy of the Jaw - **Mandible**: The mandible, also known as the jawbone, is a critical structure of the human skull that facilitates chewing and talking. - **Masseter**: This is a prominent muscle involved in the process of chewing. It is located at the side of the jaw and enables the movement of the mandible. #### Diagram (b): Force and Lever Arm - **Overview**: The diagram shows a lever arm model illustrating the forces acting on the mandible. - **C, T, and R**: - **C**: Represents the point where force is applied. - **T (Torque)**: This upward force is located 3.5 cm from point C, contributing to the rotation or pivoting action. - **R (Reaction)**: The point where a reactionary force occurs, situated 7.5 cm from point C. Understanding these forces and structures is essential for grasping how the jaw functions during activities like chewing. This model helps to visualize how mechanical forces work in tandem with biological structures.
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