What is the name of the muscle that extends from the sphenoid bone to the mandible?

Correct option is A

Ans. (a)
Sol. The Pterygoid muscles (medial and lateral) are muscles of mastication that extend from the sphenoid bone to the mandible. They help in chewing movements like side-to-side grinding and jaw elevation. The lateral pterygoid originates from the sphenoid bone and inserts into the neck of the mandible.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) Pterygoid – Correct answer. It connects the sphenoid bone to the mandible and assists in chewing.
· (b) Masseter – Involved in jaw elevation but does not originate from the sphenoid bone.
· (c) Sternocleidomastoid – Located in the neck; connects sternum, clavicle, and mastoid process, not the mandible.
· (d) Trapezius – A back muscle involved in shoulder movement, unrelated to the mandible.