Dominic Stone
The temporalis muscle is a powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint. It is a large, fan-shaped muscle that originates on the temporal bone of the skull and inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible. The muscle is involved in jaw movement and mastication (chewing). It can be palpated over the temple, anterior to the ear and superior to the zygomatic bone. The temporalis muscle is also associated with certain clinical conditions, such as bruxism (teeth grinding) and jaw pain. It has a complex structure and is an essential component of the human body's anatomy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Description | The temporalis muscle is a large, thin, fan-shaped muscle |
| Location | On each side of the head, within the temporal fossa of the skull |
| Function | One of the muscles of mastication (chewing) |
| Blood supply | Deep temporal branches of the maxillary artery and middle temporal branches of the superficial temporal artery |
| Innervation | Via the deep temporal branches of the mandibular nerve |
| Attachments | Originates from the temporal fossa and the lateral surface of the skull, inserts onto the coronoid process of the mandible |
| Fibres | Anterior, mid and posterior fibres with vertical, oblique and horizontal orientations respectively |
| Clinical relevance | Tension of the muscle can induce headaches and jaw pain |
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What You'll Learn
The temporalis muscle is one of the muscles of mastication (chewing)
The temporalis muscle is a thin, broad muscle that fills and covers most of the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch. The temporal fossa is a broad area of attachment, located on each side of the head, that spans the entire surface of the fossa below the temporal line. The muscle passes medial to the zygomatic arch and forms a tendon that inserts onto the coronoid process of the mandible. The anterior portion of the muscle runs vertically, while the posterior portion has fibres that run horizontally. The middle portion contains oblique fibres, which pass through the lateral aspect of the skull.
The temporalis muscle is derived from the first pharyngeal arch in development. It receives its blood supply from the deep temporal branches of the maxillary artery and middle temporal branches of the superficial temporal artery. The muscle is supplied by the deep temporal nerves, with at least six smaller branches recruiting muscle fibres the most when each has maximal leverage. The temporalis muscle is covered by the temporal fascia, also known as the temporal aponeurosis, which is commonly used in tympanoplasty or surgical reconstruction of the eardrum.
Tension in the temporalis muscle can induce pain in the temporal area and is often associated with jaw pain and headaches. Bruxism, or the habitual grinding of teeth, especially while sleeping, and clenching of the jaw during stressful situations, can lead to overwork of the muscle, resulting in pain. A myotendinous rupture of the temporalis muscle can also occur during a seizure due to extreme clenching of the jaw.
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It is a fan-shaped muscle that fills the temporal fossa
The temporalis muscle is a fan-shaped muscle that fills the temporal fossa. It is a large, thin muscle situated on each side of the head, superior to the zygomatic arch, and covering much of the temporal bone. The muscle originates from the temporal fossa, which is the floor of the fossa below the inferior temporal line. The temporalis muscle is also attached to the deep surface of the temporal fascia, or temporal aponeurosis, which is a strong, thick layer.
The muscle is divided into two or three functional parts: the anterior, middle, and posterior portions. The anterior portion consists of vertical fibres that run in an inferior direction, while the posterior portion consists of horizontal fibres. The middle portion contains oblique fibres, which run in an inferior and anterior direction. The anterior portion moves the mandible dorsocranially (elevation), while the posterior fibres pull the mandible posteriorly (retrusion). The middle portion is used for both elevation and retraction of the mandible, and in a unilateral contraction, it provokes lateral movement of the mandible.
The temporalis muscle is the primary retractor of the mandible and is involved in the act of mastication, or chewing. It is one of the four primary muscles of mastication and is the strongest muscle of the temporomandibular joint. The muscle is accessible on the temples and can be seen and felt contracting while the jaw is clenching and unclenching. It is also involved in bruxism, the habitual grinding of teeth, which can lead to overwork and pain in the muscle.
The temporalis muscle has a duplex blood supply from the anterior and posterior deep temporal arteries, which are branches of the superficial temporal artery. The muscle is innervated via the deep temporal branches of the mandibular nerve. The temporalis muscle is also used in reconstructive surgery of the mouth and is important in the diagnosis and treatment of jaw pain and headaches.
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It is involved in jaw pain and headaches
The temporalis muscle is a powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is a thin, fan-shaped muscle situated within the temporal fossa of the skull. It is involved in the movement of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint, facilitating the act of mastication (chewing). The temporalis muscle is also involved in jaw pain and headaches.
Tension or trigger points in the temporalis muscle can cause pain in the temporal area, jaw, and tension headaches. This tension can be caused by trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the side of the head, which can lead to the development of trigger points in the muscle. Another common cause of tension in the temporalis muscle is bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching of the jaw, often while sleeping or due to stress. Gum chewing can also cause tension in the temporalis muscle, as it constantly works the muscle and can lead to the development of trigger points. Forward head posture can also cause the temporalis muscle to stay in a stretched position, leading to trigger points.
Temporalis tendonitis, or temporal tendinitis, can also occur due to prolonged mouth opening (such as during dental procedures), increased stress, tooth grinding, direct trauma to the muscle, or excessive gum chewing. This condition can cause pain in the jaw and temples, as well as swelling.
To treat pain and headaches associated with the temporalis muscle, a dentist or doctor may recommend a variety of options depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms. These can include over-the-counter pain relievers, chiropractic care, or physical therapy. In the case of temporalis tendonitis, injection of a local anesthetic into the affected region is considered the definitive diagnostic test and can also provide relief.
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The temporalis has two functional parts: anterior and posterior
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a muscle of mastication (chewing). It is a broad, fan-shaped convergent muscle on each side of the head that fills the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch. The temporalis muscle has two functional parts: anterior and posterior.
The anterior portion of the temporalis muscle moves the mandible dorsocranially (elevation) by running vertically and contracting. The posterior portion has fibres that run horizontally, and contraction of this portion results in retrusion of the mandible. The anterior portion of the muscle receives blood supply from the anterior deep temporal artery, while the posterior portion receives blood supply from the posterior deep temporal artery.
The temporalis muscle is the strongest muscle of the temporomandibular joint and the primary retractor of the mandible. It is involved in the backward movement of the mandible (retrusion) and the closing of the mouth. The unilateral contraction of the temporalis muscle is also important for the side-to-side movements of the jaw. The anterior and posterior fibres of the muscle converge onto a narrow tendon that runs medial to the zygomatic arch.
The temporalis muscle is derived from the first pharyngeal arch in development and is supplied by the deep temporal nerves. It receives its blood supply from the deep temporal branches of the maxillary artery and middle temporal branches of the superficial temporal artery. The muscle is also involved in jaw pain and headaches, with conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding) leading to overwork and pain in the temporalis muscle.
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It is the strongest muscle of the temporomandibular joint
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a muscle of mastication (chewing). It is a fan-shaped muscle on each side of the head that fills the temporal fossa, covering much of the temporal bone. The temporalis muscle is the strongest muscle of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or jaw joint. It is the primary retractor of the mandible. The TMJ is a synovial joint that allows complex movements necessary for life, including breathing, eating, and speech.
The temporalis muscle has a duplex blood supply from the anterior and posterior deep temporal arteries, which originate from the internal maxillary artery. The muscle is also supplied by the middle temporal artery. The temporalis muscle is derived from the first pharyngeal arch in development. It is controlled by the third (mandibular) branch of the trigeminal nerve, specifically the deep temporal nerves.
The temporalis muscle can be divided into two functional parts: the anterior and posterior. The anterior portion moves the mandible dorsocranially (elevation), while the posterior portion pulls the mandible posteriorly (retrusion). The contraction of the posterior fibres of the temporalis muscle results in the backward movement of the mandible, and the contraction of its anterior fibres moves the mandible upward (elevation). In unison, these actions facilitate the closing of the mouth and the approximation of the teeth.
The unilateral contraction of the temporalis muscle is important for side-to-side movements of the jaw. The middle portion of the muscle, which contains oblique fibres, is used for both elevation and retraction of the mandible. When the middle portion contracts unilaterally, it provokes lateral movement of the mandible. The temporalis muscle is also likely to be involved in jaw pain and headaches. Bruxism, or the habitual grinding of teeth, and clenching of the jaw can lead to overwork of the muscle and result in pain.
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Frequently asked questions
The temporalis muscle is a fan-shaped muscle on each side of the head that fills the temporal fossa. It is one of the muscles of mastication (chewing).
The main function of the temporalis muscle is to produce the movements of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint and thus facilitate the act of mastication (chewing). Its anterior portion moves the mandible upwards (elevation) while its posterior fibres pull the mandible backward (retrusion).
The temporalis muscle originates from the temporal fossa and the deep part of temporal fascia. It forms a tendon that inserts onto the coronoid process of the mandible.
Tension of the temporalis muscle can induce pain in the temporal area and is often associated with headaches and jaw pain. Bruxism, or the habitual grinding of teeth, can lead to overwork of the muscle and result in pain.
