A tumor at the right trigeminal motor nucleus would most likely cause which change in the muscles of mastication?

Prepare for the Praxis Dysphagia Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, designed to provide explanations and hints. Equip yourself with the knowledge needed for your examination!

Multiple Choice

A tumor at the right trigeminal motor nucleus would most likely cause which change in the muscles of mastication?

Explanation:
When a tumor affects the trigeminal motor nucleus on one side, the motor neurons that go to the muscles of mastication (masseter, temporalis, and the pterygoids) on that same side are disrupted. That means the right side muscles of mastication would be weaker, so you’d see reduced bite strength on the right (ipsilateral) side. The jaw would tend to deviate toward the weakened side when trying to bite down. Salivary output is controlled by parasympathetic nuclei, not the trigeminal motor nucleus, so that change wouldn’t be expected. So the deficit is an ipsilateral reduction in mastication strength.

When a tumor affects the trigeminal motor nucleus on one side, the motor neurons that go to the muscles of mastication (masseter, temporalis, and the pterygoids) on that same side are disrupted. That means the right side muscles of mastication would be weaker, so you’d see reduced bite strength on the right (ipsilateral) side. The jaw would tend to deviate toward the weakened side when trying to bite down. Salivary output is controlled by parasympathetic nuclei, not the trigeminal motor nucleus, so that change wouldn’t be expected. So the deficit is an ipsilateral reduction in mastication strength.

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