College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which of the following connects to the lower jaw at the modiolus?

1. Buccinator

2. Frontalis

3. Occipitalis

4. Auricularis

The correct answer is: Buccinator

The buccinator muscle is responsible for connecting to the lower jaw at the modiolus, which is a fibrous junction located at the corner of the mouth. This muscle plays a crucial role in facial expressions and in the functioning of the mouth. Specifically, the buccinator helps with actions such as smiling and chewing by compressing the cheeks against the teeth, which helps to keep food between the molars during mastication. Other muscles listed, such as frontalis and occipitalis, are part of the occipitofrontalis muscle group and are primarily responsible for forehead movement and scalp tension. The auricularis muscle works to move the ear and is not involved with the lower jaw or the modiolus. Therefore, the buccinator is the only muscle among the options that directly connects to the lower jaw at this particular anatomical point.