Dominic Stone
The masseter muscle is one of the muscles responsible for mastication (chewing). It is a strong, thick, and rectangular muscle that originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle. The masseter is a powerful muscle, consisting of three heads: superficial, deep, and coronoid. The superficial portion of the masseter muscle originates from the temporal process of the zygomatic bone and the anterior two-thirds of the inferior border of the zygomatic arch. The masseter muscle is supplied with blood by the masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, and is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve. The masseter muscle is responsible for the elevation of the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure, and plays a crucial role in chewing and making facial expressions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Muscle of mastication |
| Found in | Mammals |
| Appearance | Thick, rectangular, quadrangular, superficial |
| Number of parts | 2 or 3 |
| Blood supply | Masseteric artery |
| Nerve supply | Masseteric nerve |
| Function | Elevation and protrusion of the mandible, retraction of the mandible, stabilisation of the mandibular coronoid process, chewing |
| Location | Cheek to the side of the jaw |
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What You'll Learn
The masseter muscle is one of the muscles of mastication
The masseter originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts along the angle and lateral surface of the mandibular ramus. 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 fibres converge inferiorly, forming a tendon that inserts at the outer surface of the mandibular ramus and the coronoid process of the mandible.
The masseter receives its motor innervation from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, which carries both sensory and motor fibres. The blood supply to the masseter is provided primarily by the masseteric artery, a branch of the internal maxillary artery. The masseteric nerve innervates the masseter muscle and is a branch of the mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve.
The masseter is one of the four main muscles of mastication, which also include the temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid muscles. The masseter is the most superficial of these muscles and is also one of the strongest. The powerful elevation and protrusion of the mandible caused by the masseter result in the closing of the mouth.
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It is a powerful, thick, quadrilateral muscle
The masseter muscle is a powerful, thick, quadrilateral muscle. It is one of the muscles of mastication, which are the muscles used for chewing. The masseter is particularly powerful in herbivores, as it helps them to chew plant matter. In humans, the masseter muscle is responsible for the elevation of the mandible and some protraction of the mandible, which causes a powerful jaw closure. This muscle is also involved in stabilizing tension in the articular capsule of the temporomandibular joint.
The masseter is a paired, quadrangular muscle, with two divisions: the superficial and deep parts. The superficial portion of the masseter muscle originates from a thick aponeurosis on the temporal process of the zygomatic bone and the anterior two-thirds of the inferior border of the zygomatic arch. The fibres of the superficial portion pass inferior-posteriorly and insert onto the angle of the mandible (masseteric tubercle) and the inferior portion of the lateral surface of the mandibular ramus. The deep portion of the masseter muscle originates from the entire surface of the zygomatic arch, with its fibres running inferiorly and inserting along the mandibular ramus superior to the masseter muscle's superior portion.
The masseter muscle is supplied with blood by the masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery. The maxillary artery comes off the external carotid artery behind the neck of the mandible. The masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve, innervates the masseter muscle. The trigeminal nerve carries both sensory and motor fibres.
The medial aspect of the masseter muscle forms the lateral wall of the facial space, called the submasseteric space. This space is located between the lateral aspect of the mandible and the medial aspect of the masseter muscle. The duct of the parotid gland passes across the surface of the muscle and penetrates the fibres of the buccinator muscle to find its way into the oral cavity. The parotid gland surrounds the entire posterior and most of the superficial aspect of the muscle.
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It originates from the zygomatic arch
The masseter muscle is a powerful, thick, and rectangular muscle with two divisions: the superficial and the deep. It is one of the muscles of mastication, or chewing, and is found only in mammals, particularly herbivores. The masseter is the most obvious muscle of mastication as it is the most superficial and one of the strongest.
The masseter originates from the zygomatic arch, specifically the anterior two-thirds of the inferior border of the zygomatic arch. The deep portion of the masseter muscle originates from the entire surface of the zygomatic arch. The fibres of the superficial portion pass inferior-posteriorly over the deep portion and insert onto the angle of the mandible and the inferior portion of the lateral surface of the mandibular ramus. The deep portion's fibres run inferiorly and insert along the mandibular ramus superior to the masseter muscle's superior portion.
The masseter muscle is paired and extends down to the mandibular angle. It is one of the masticatory muscles, a group of muscles that also includes the temporal muscle, the lateral pterygoid muscle, and the medial pterygoid muscle. Its specific functions are elevation and protrusion of the mandible, as well as providing support to the articular capsule of the temporomandibular joint.
The zygomatic arch, also known as the zygomatic bone, is a bony structure that forms part of the cheekbone and is located below the eye. It is an important landmark in facial anatomy and provides attachment points for several muscles, including the masseter. The masseter muscle is a strong and powerful muscle that plays a crucial role in the elevation and protrusion of the mandible, which is the lower jawbone.
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The masseter receives blood supply from the masseteric artery
The masseter is a muscle of mastication, found only in mammals, and is particularly powerful in herbivores to facilitate chewing. It is a thick, quadrilateral muscle, consisting of three heads: superficial, deep, and coronoid. The masseter is responsible for the elevation of the mandible and some protraction of the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure.
The masseter muscle receives its blood supply primarily from the masseteric artery, a small branch of the maxillary artery. The maxillary artery, also known as the internal maxillary artery, comes off the external carotid artery behind the neck of the mandible. It divides into the mandibular, pterygoid, and pterygopalatine portions. The masseteric artery is part of the pterygoid portion, which has four main branches, including the masseteric artery, pterygoid branches, deep temporal arteries, and the buccal artery.
The masseteric artery passes laterally through the mandibular notch to the deep surface of the masseter muscle, providing its blood supply. It anastomoses, or forms connections, with other arteries, including the masseteric branches of the external maxillary artery and the transverse facial artery. This ensures an adequate blood supply to the masseter muscle, supporting its functions in mastication and jaw movement.
The masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, also plays a role in the masseter muscle. It innervates the muscle, carrying both sensory and motor fibers. The trigeminal nerve, also known as the fifth cranial nerve, is responsible for sensory and motor functions in the face and head. The masseter muscle, with its blood supply from the masseteric artery and innervation from the masseteric nerve, is a crucial component of the masticatory system in mammals.
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It is involved in the retraction and elevation of the mandible
The masseter muscle is one of the four muscles of mastication, or chewing. It is a strong, thick, and quadrilateral muscle that originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle. The deep layer of the masseter muscle arises from the medial surface and inferior margin of the zygomatic arch, while the superficial layer arises from the maxillary process of the zygomatic bone and the anterior two-thirds of the zygomatic arch.
The masseter muscle's main function is to elevate the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure. This elevation is achieved through the contraction of the superior part of the muscle, which runs diagonally to the front, moving the mandible forward. In addition to elevation, the masseter muscle also plays a role in the retraction of the mandible. The intermediate and deep muscle fibres of the masseter are responsible for this retraction, pulling the mandible backwards, while the superficial fibres contribute to the protrusion of the mandible. The deep fibres of the masseter muscle are also important stabilisers of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
The masseter muscle receives its blood supply from the masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery. The maxillary artery itself is a branch of the external carotid artery, which is located behind the neck of the mandible. The masseter muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) or the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve carries both sensory and motor fibres, with the motor fibres innervating the masseter muscle.
The masseter muscle is particularly powerful in herbivores, facilitating the chewing of plant matter. In humans, the masseter muscle can become enlarged in individuals who habitually clench or grind their teeth, a condition known as masseteric hypertrophy. This enlargement is usually asymptomatic and soft, but it can lead to asymmetry of the face due to unequal enlargement of the muscles. Singers are also prone to experiencing masseter tension, which can be treated with transdermal massages or stretches as part of their vocal warm-up routine.
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Frequently asked questions
The masseter is a thick, quadrilateral muscle that runs from the cheek to the side of the jaw. It is one of the muscles of mastication (chewing) and is found only in mammals.
The masseter muscle is responsible for the elevation of the mandible (jaw bone), causing a powerful jaw closure. It also helps with the protrusion movement, i.e., moving the mandible forward.
The masseter muscle has a superficial and a deep part. The superficial portion of the muscle originates from the maxillary process of the zygomatic bone and the anterior two-thirds of the inferior border of the zygomatic arch. The deep portion of the muscle originates from the posterior third of the inferior border of the zygomatic arch and the zygomatic process of the maxilla.
The masseter muscle is one of the facial muscles that are part of the skeletal system (musculoskeletal system). It is involved in controlling facial movements and expressions, such as chewing and smiling.
