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The masseter muscle is a thick, quadrilateral muscle that is involved in the mastication process. It is one of four pairs of muscles used for chewing and is found in mammals, particularly powerful in herbivores. The masseter muscle is a significant component of our daily functioning, aiding in the elevation and protrusion of the lower jaw. Humans have two masseter muscles, one on each side of the face, and they can become enlarged due to habits such as clenching or grinding teeth, leading to a condition known as masseter hypertrophy. This condition can cause aesthetic concerns and psychological distress due to the change in facial appearance.
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What You'll Learn
- The masseter muscle is one of the muscles of mastication
- It is a strong, thick, quadrilateral muscle with three heads
- It is innervated by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
- Masseter muscle hypertrophy is a rare condition where the muscle enlarges
- Singers experience masseter tension, treated with transdermal massages or stretches
The masseter muscle is one of the muscles of mastication
The masseter muscle is one of the four main muscles of mastication, or chewing. It is a powerful, thick, quadrilateral muscle, with two divisions: the superficial and the deep. The superficial portion of the masseter muscle is the larger of the two and arises from the temporal process of the zygomatic bone and the anterior two-thirds of the inferior border of the zygomatic arch. The fibres of the muscle converge to form a tendon that inserts at the outer surface of the mandibular ramus and the coronoid process of the mandible.
The masseter muscle is found only in mammals and is particularly strong in herbivores, where it helps to facilitate the chewing of plant matter. In humans, the masseter muscle is involved in the elevation and protrusion of the mandible, or jawbone, allowing for the mouth to open and close. This is achieved through the contraction of the muscle, which causes the mandible to elevate, and the relaxation of the muscle, which allows the mandible to return to its original position.
The masseter muscle is innervated by the anterior division of the mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve carries both sensory and motor fibres. The blood supply to the masseter muscle is provided by the masseteric artery, a branch of the internal maxillary artery.
The masseter muscle can become enlarged in patients who habitually clench or grind their teeth, a condition known as bruxism, or even in those who constantly chew gum. This enlargement is usually bilateral but can also be unilateral. As a result of this unequal enlargement of the muscles, asymmetry of the face may occur. Most patients seek medical attention due to concerns about their facial appearance, and this situation may be associated with further pathology of the temporomandibular joint.
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It is a strong, thick, quadrilateral muscle with three heads
The masseter muscle is a strong, thick, quadrilateral muscle with three heads: the superficial, deep, and coronoid. It is one of the four pairs of muscles used for chewing and is found only in mammals, particularly powerful in herbivores to facilitate the chewing of plant matter. The masseter muscle is the most obvious muscle of mastication due to its superficiality and strength.
The masseter muscle is a paired muscle, with one on each side of the face. It is a fan-shaped muscle that fills the temporal fossa, with anterior fibres that are vertically oriented, mid fibres that are obliquely oriented, and posterior fibres that are horizontally oriented. The fibres of the muscle originate from the inferior zygomatic arch and the anterior two-thirds of the zygomatic arch, with a connection to the posterior aspect of the zygomatic bone. The medial, or inner, surface of the muscle is mostly related to the ramus of the mandible, almost completely covering its superficial surface. The medial aspect of the masseter muscle forms the lateral wall of the facial space, called the submasseteric space.
The major function of the masseter muscle is to elevate the mandible and approximate the teeth. The intermediate and deep muscle fibres of the masseter retract the mandible, while the superficial fibres protrude it. The deep fibres also play an important role in stabilising the TMJ. The masseter muscle is innervated by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, and its blood supply is derived from the masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery.
The masseter muscle can become enlarged in patients who habitually clench or grind their teeth, chew gum, or have bruxism. This condition is known as masseter hypertrophy and can cause psychological distress due to the exaggerated appearance of the muscle in the face, resulting in a square-angled or bottom-heavy appearance. Masseter hypertrophy is typically asymptomatic, but it can be associated with pain, clenching/grinding, and functional disorders of the jaw. Treatment options for masseter hypertrophy include conservative/non-surgical therapies such as splint therapy, counselling, mouthguards, medication, muscle relaxers, and physical therapy. Botox injections can also be used to paralyse and shrink the muscle, but this treatment is costly and must be repeated to remain effective.
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It is innervated by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
The masseter muscle is one of the muscles of mastication, which are used for chewing. It is a strong, thick, and rectangular muscle that consists of a superficial and a deep part. The masseter is innervated by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve.
The trigeminal nerve is a three-part nerve in the head that sends signals from the brain to the face and vice versa. There are two trigeminal nerves in the human head, and they help people feel touch and chew food. The three branches of the trigeminal nerve are the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular branches. The mandibular nerve is the only branch of the trigeminal nerve that conducts motor axons to the muscles of the head and neck.
The mandibular nerve is a mixed nerve, meaning it contains both motor and sensory fibres. The sensory root of the mandibular nerve originates from the trigeminal ganglion and exits the skull through the foramen ovale. The motor root originates from the motor nucleus of the trigeminal nerve and passes below the trigeminal ganglion. After passing through the foramen ovale, it joins the sensory root of the nerve.
The mandibular nerve has several functions. In addition to enabling mastication, it also innervates muscles involved in other processes, such as the tensor tympani, which stabilizes the malleus bone in the middle ear to dampen sounds, and the tensor veli palatini, which helps elevate the soft palate to prevent regurgitation of food and liquid into the nasopharynx. The mandibular nerve also provides sensory information from the lower third of the face, including the lower lip, mandible, preauricular and temporal areas, as well as the meninges and anterior and middle cranial fossae.
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Masseter muscle hypertrophy is a rare condition where the muscle enlarges
The masseter is a muscle of mastication, which means it is used for chewing. It is one of four pairs of muscles used for this purpose. This muscle is found only in mammals, and it is particularly powerful in herbivores to facilitate the chewing of plant matter. In humans, the masseter is a thick, quadrilateral muscle consisting of three heads: superficial, deep, and coronoid. The most obvious muscle of mastication, it is the most superficial and one of the strongest.
Masseter muscle hypertrophy is a rare condition in which the muscle enlarges. It was first described in 1880 by an English physician named JW Legg. It is considered benign, asymptomatic, and relatively uncommon. The condition can occur on one or both sides of the face, and it is typically observed in adults aged 20-40 with no gender predominance. While the true cause is often unknown, it is associated with teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism), heavy gum chewing, and temporomandibular joint disorder. It can also be caused by defective teeth, congenital and functional hypertrophies, and emotional disorders such as stress and nervousness.
The most common reason patients seek treatment for masseter hypertrophy is cosmetic, as the enlarged muscle can cause the jaw to appear wide and the face to appear square or rectangular. This can create a more masculine look in female patients or a bottom-heavy appearance. In cases of unilateral masseter hypertrophy, it can cause jaw asymmetry. While the condition is not life-threatening, it can cause psychological distress. Treatment options include conservative or non-surgical therapies, such as splint therapy or mouthguards to minimise teeth clenching, and surgical approaches.
Diagnosis of masseter hypertrophy is made through clinical examination, directed interview, panoramic x-ray, and muscle palpation. It is important to rule out other potential causes of facial swelling, such as muscle tumours, salivary gland disorders, or other growths in the head and neck region. Differential diagnosis may include CT scans to exclude other lesions.
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Singers experience masseter tension, treated with transdermal massages or stretches
The masseter is a facial muscle found only in mammals, and it is one of the muscles of mastication. It is a thick, quadrilateral muscle consisting of three heads: superficial, deep, and coronoid. The major function of the masseter muscle is to elevate the mandible and approximate the teeth.
Singers often experience various kinds of masseter tension, which can be caused by stress, teeth grinding, tooth misalignment, or injury. This tension can lead to discomfort, pain, and limited jaw movement, which can impact a singer's performance. To relieve this tension, singers can use transdermal massages or stretches as a vocal warm-up.
One way to release tension in the masseter muscle is through self-massage techniques. This involves using the fingertips to apply gentle pressure to the muscle and moving the fingers down towards the jawline. This can be done in an up-and-down motion, starting from the top of the muscle and working down, or vice versa. It is important to gradually increase pressure as needed and to ensure that no pain is caused during the massage.
In addition to self-massage, singers can also try gentle exercises to relieve tension in the masseter muscle. One such exercise is to sit or stand in a comfortable position and gently open the mouth wide enough to feel a stretch without causing pain. Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly close the mouth. Repeat this movement 5-10 times.
Another exercise is to place the thumb under the chin and gently push upward while simultaneously trying to open the mouth against the resistance of the thumb. Hold the open position for a few seconds, then release. Repeat this exercise 5-8 times.
By combining transdermal massages and stretches, singers can effectively release masseter tension and improve their vocal performance. These techniques can help to improve blood circulation, enhance joint mobility, and reduce pain and discomfort in the jaw area.
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Frequently asked questions
The masseter muscle is one of the primary muscles used for chewing. Humans have two masseters, one on each side of the face. It is a thick, quadrilateral muscle that is particularly powerful in herbivores.
Masseter muscle hypertrophy is a condition where the masseter muscle enlarges on one or both sides of the face. It is often asymptomatic but can cause psychological distress due to the change in facial appearance. It may also be associated with pain, clenching, grinding, and functional disorders of the jaw.
Treatments for masseter muscle issues include medication, surgery, acupuncture, chiropractic care, counselling, mouthguards, muscle relaxers, and physical therapy. Botox injections can also be used to paralyze and shrink the muscle.
