| masticatory silent period | A pause in electromyographic patterns associated with tooth contacts during chewing and biting; a part of the complex feedback mechanism of mandibular control involving receptors in the periodontal ligament and muscles. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| masticatory spasm | Involuntary convulsive muscular contraction affecting the muscles of mastication. (05 Mar 2000) |
| masticatory surface | That portion of the surface of a denture that makes contact or near contact with the corresponding surface of an opposing denture or tooth. Synonym: facies occlusalis dentis, facies masticatoria, grinding surface, masticating surface, masticatory surface, occlusal surface. (05 Mar 2000) |
| masticatory system | The organs and structures primarily functioning in mastication: the jaws, teeth with their supporting structures, temporomandibular joint, muscles of mastication, tongue, lips, cheeks, and oral mucosa. Synonym: dental apparatus, masticatory apparatus. (05 Mar 2000) |