Buccinator Muscles: Role in Chewing and Food Retention

The buccinator muscles compress the cheeks to help keep food between the grinding surfaces of the teeth while chewing. These muscles are located on each side of the face and run from the maxilla (upper jaw) to the mandible (lower jaw). They are innervated by the facial nerve.

When the buccinator muscles contract, they pull the cheeks inward, which helps to keep the food in place between the teeth. This action is important for mastication, or the chewing of food.