Which muscle is responsible for maintaining the bolus of food while chewing?

The buccinator muscle is primarily responsible for maintaining the bolus of food while chewing. This muscle is located in the cheek area and is essential for pressing the cheeks against the teeth. During chewing, the buccinator helps keep the food positioned correctly between the teeth, facilitating efficient grinding and mixing of food with saliva. Its action ensures that the bolus of food does not escape into the cheek space, allowing for controlled mastication.

While the orbicularis oris plays a role in controlling movements of the lips and can assist in food retention, it does not provide the same level of support as the buccinator in the context of holding food between the teeth. The masseter and temporalis muscles, on the other hand, are primarily involved in the movement of the jaw and the process of chewing rather than maintaining the position of the food bolus. Their main functions are to elevate the mandible for biting and grinding food, rather than holding it in place.