Contraction of only the posterior portion of the temporalis muscle retrudes the mandible because this action also depresses the mandible.

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The temporalis muscle,also called the temporal muscle,has a very wide origin with both anterior and posterior fibers.Contraction of only the posterior fibers results in a horizontal pulling of the coronoid process.This action pulls the mandible backward,referred to as retruding the mandible.

Contraction of Only the Posterior Portion of the Temporalis Muscle