Which muscle is the most powerful of the masticatory muscles, and functions to elevate and protract the mandible?

Masseter is the muscle that is the most powerful of the masticatory muscles, and functions to elevate and protract the mandible. Masticatory muscles are those muscles in the jaw that are used and moved when you are chewing and talking and generally moving your jaw. So, masseter is found on the sides of your face, and elevates the mandible, allowing the jaw to open and close while chewing.