Functions of the posterior temporalis and digastric muscles during bilateral biting in the control of temporomandibular joint loading

Abstract

We analyzed the function of the activation of the posterior temporalis and digastric muscles, which is associated with bilateral biting that occurs during control of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) loading. For purposes of this investigation, we employed a static two-dimensional model that included a rigid-body spring model of the articular disk. Consequently, the activation of the posterior temporalis muscle was verified to reduce minimum TMJ loading, while that of the digastric muscle was verified to increase TMJ loading.