Questions: A nursing infant develops a powerful sucking muscle that adults also use for whistling. What is this muscle called? buccinator masseter platysma zygomaticus

The answer is the first one: buccinator.

Explanation for each option:

1. Buccinator: This muscle is located in the cheek area and is crucial for actions such as sucking and whistling. It helps to compress the cheek against the teeth, which is essential for a nursing infant to suckle effectively and for adults to whistle.

2. Masseter: This is one of the main muscles involved in chewing. It is located in the jaw and is responsible for elevating the mandible (lower jaw) to close the mouth. It is not primarily involved in sucking or whistling.

3. Platysma: This is a superficial muscle that covers the neck and part of the chest. It is involved in facial expressions, such as frowning or grimacing, but not in sucking or whistling.

4. Zygomaticus: This muscle is involved in facial expressions, particularly in smiling. It raises the corners of the mouth but does not play a significant role in sucking or whistling.

Summary: The muscle that a nursing infant develops for sucking, which is also used by adults for whistling, is the buccinator.