What is the anatomical location of the buccinator muscle?

The buccinator muscle is anatomically located between the maxilla (upper jaw) and the mandible (lower jaw) at the region of the cheek. This muscle plays a crucial role in facial expressions, as well as in functions related to chewing and speaking. It helps in keeping food positioned between the teeth during mastication and aids in the expelling of air from the mouth, essential for speech.

The other options describe areas not associated with the buccinator muscle. The jawline is not a specific location for the buccinator but rather includes other muscles relevant to jaw movement. The forehead region is far from where the buccinator is situated, and muscles in this area, like the frontalis, are responsible for raising the eyebrows. Finally, the sides of the neck house muscles like the sternocleidomastoid but do not relate to the buccinator, which is entirely focused around the oral cavity and cheek area.