In human anatomy, the masseter is one of the muscles of mastication. Situated beneath the mandibles, paired maxillae manipulate food during mastication. Weakness of the muscles that move the jaw (muscles of mastication) may cause difficulty chewing. Paired maxillae cut food and manipulate it during mastication. Premolars can be considered transitional teeth during chewing, or mastication. Mastication and ingestion generally result in only mild symptoms. This ossification evolved to morphologically aid the mastication of plant matter. During the process of mastication, the tongue manipulates food to release odorants. Ceramic can also be abrasive to opposing tooth surfaces upon mastication. There are four classical muscles of mastication. This arch also gives rise to the muscles of mastication. It is the site of attachment for most of the muscles of mastication. The plasticity of polybutadiene is not reduced by excessive mastication. Patients often present with impaired speech and mastication. The temporal muscle covers this area and is used during mastication.