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The masseter muscle is a powerful muscle of mastication, which is responsible for raising the lower jaw and assisting in chewing. Humans have two masseter muscles, one on each side of the face, and they are the most obvious muscles of mastication as they are the most superficial and one of the strongest. The masseter muscle can become enlarged or hypertrophied due to various reasons, such as emotional stress, teeth grinding, gum chewing, or simply a preference for chewing on one side. This enlargement is usually asymptomatic, but it can cause psychological distress due to the change in facial appearance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A large muscle that raises the lower jaw and assists in mastication |
| Other Names | Jaw muscle |
| Type | One of the four pairs of muscles used for chewing; one of the muscles of mastication; one of the strongest human muscles |
| Structure | Thick, somewhat quadrilateral or quadrangular muscle, consisting of two heads: superficial, deep and coronoid |
| Origin | Zygomatic arch and maxillary process of the zygomatic bone |
| Insertion | Mandibular ramus and gonial angle |
| Blood Supply | Masseteric artery, a branch of the internal maxillary artery |
| Innervation | Masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) of the trigeminal nerve |
| Function | Elevation and protrusion of the mandible, chewing movement of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), stabilization of the TMJ, support to the articular capsule of the TMJ |
| Conditions | Masseter muscle hypertrophy, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), submasseteric abscesses |
| Treatment | Conservative/non-surgical therapies, surgical procedures, Botox injections |
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What You'll Learn
Masseter muscle anatomy
The masseter is a powerful muscle of mastication, responsible for the elevation of the mandible (lower jaw) and some protraction of the mandible. It is a superficial quadrangular muscle with two divisions: superficial and deep. Humans have two masseter muscles, one on each side of the face.
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 over the deep portion 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. The fibres run inferiorly and insert along the mandibular ramus superior to the masseter muscle’s superior portion. The masseter muscle has a quadrangular shape due to its origins and insertions.
The masseter muscle is the most obvious muscle of mastication as it is the most superficial and one of the strongest. It is also one of four pairs of muscles used for chewing. The masseter muscle gets its vascular supply from the masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery (formerly the internal maxillary artery). The maxillary artery comes off the external carotid artery behind the neck of the mandible. The masseter muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve, which is a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) of the trigeminal nerve.
The masseter muscle can become enlarged in patients who habitually clench or grind their teeth, chew gum, or even in those who constantly bite their tongues, bite their nails, or chew on objects like pens. This masseteric hypertrophy is asymptomatic and soft and is usually bilateral but can be unilateral. This enlargement may be confused with parotid salivary gland disease, dental infections, and maxillofacial neoplasms. However, it is not a life-threatening condition. Treatment options include conservative/non-surgical therapies, behaviour therapy, and botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injection therapy.
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Masseter muscle origin and insertion
The masseter muscle is a paired, strong, thick, and rectangular muscle with two divisions: superficial and deep. It is one of the muscles of mastication, which is the act of chewing. The masseter is the most obvious muscle of mastication as it is the most superficial and one of the strongest. It is also the primary muscle responsible for the elevation of the mandible, allowing the mouth to close.
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 over the deep portion and insert onto the angle of the mandible (masseteric tubercle) and the inferior portion of the lateral surface of the mandibular ramus. The superficial masseter muscle has a quadrangular shape due to its origins and insertions.
The deep portion of the masseter muscle originates from the entire surface of the zygomatic arch. The fibres run inferiorly and insert along the mandibular ramus superior to the masseter muscle’s superior portion. The deep portion is partly concealed, anteriorly, by the superficial portion. The fibres of the superficial and deep heads are continuous at their insertion.
The masseter muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) of the trigeminal nerve. The blood supply is primarily from the masseteric artery, a branch of the internal maxillary artery.
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Masseter muscle function
The masseter muscle is one of the four pairs of muscles used for chewing, also known as the muscles of mastication. It is a powerful, thick, quadrilateral muscle with two divisions: superficial and deep. The superficial portion of the masseter muscle originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle. The deep portion of the muscle originates from the posterior third of the inferior border of the zygomatic arch and the maxilla.
The masseter muscle is responsible for the elevation of the mandible, assisting in the protrusion or forward movement of the lower jaw, and providing support to the articular capsule of the temporomandibular joint. It is the most obvious muscle of mastication as it is the most superficial and one of the strongest. The masseter muscle can become enlarged in patients who habitually clench or grind their teeth, chew gum, or have bruxism. This condition is called masseteric hypertrophy and can cause psychological distress due to the change in facial appearance.
The treatment for masseter hypertrophy can be conservative or surgical. Conservative treatments include splint therapy, behaviour therapy, and botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections. Surgical treatments include partial removal of the masseter muscle and jawbone or liposuction of the fat near the muscle.
The masseter muscle also plays a significant role in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Dysfunction of the masseter muscle can lead to pain, difficulty chewing, or swelling around the jaw and face, which can progress to difficulty speaking in more serious cases.
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Masseter muscle hypertrophy
The masseter muscle is a powerful, thick, and rectangular muscle that is involved in the process of mastication (chewing). It originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle, with two divisions: superficial and deep. The masseter muscle is essential for adequate mastication and plays a role in facial aesthetics.
The most common concern regarding masseter hypertrophy is the change in facial aesthetics. Hypertrophy of the masseter muscle can result in a square-angled or bottom-heavy appearance, which may be undesirable, especially in female patients. In cases of unilateral masseter hypertrophy, it can cause jaw asymmetry. These cosmetic changes can lead to psychological distress and negative self-image.
There are both conservative and surgical treatment options available for masseter muscle hypertrophy. Conservative therapies include splint therapy, where an oral appliance is used to reduce biting forces from clenching and grinding, and behaviour therapy, which aims to address the underlying habits and behaviours contributing to masseter muscle hypertrophy. Surgical treatments include the use of botulinum toxin type A injections directly into the muscle, although more research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness and potential side effects.
It is important to note that masseter muscle hypertrophy is typically not life-threatening and is often asymptomatic. However, it can cause discomfort and impair muscle function, leading to conditions such as trismus, protrusion, and bruxism. Differential diagnosis is important to rule out other potential causes of facial swelling, such as muscle tumors, salivary gland diseases, and parotid inflammatory diseases.
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Masseter muscle treatment
The masseter muscle is a powerful muscle located in the jaw, responsible for the elevation of the mandible and some protraction, as well as the chewing movement of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is one of the strongest muscles in the human body.
Masseter muscle pain can be caused by several factors, including emotional stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), malocclusion, and overuse through excessive chewing. This pain can be treated in several ways, including:
- Manual Therapy: This includes techniques such as trigger point release, massage, and stretching to alleviate pain and improve jaw movement.
- Acupuncture and Dry Needling: These techniques can effectively treat trigger points in the masseter muscle. Deep dry needling has been shown to improve the pain threshold and jaw function in patients with myofascial TMD.
- Botox Injections: Botox can reduce muscle hypertonicity and pain, improving jaw function and aesthetics. However, it should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional to avoid adverse effects.
- Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release: These professional therapies may be part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach for persistent masseter pain.
- Home Exercises and Behavioral Modifications: Self-care techniques such as masseter massage and stretching can help alleviate trigger points and tension in the masseter muscle.
It is important to note that the treatment approach may vary depending on the specific cause and severity of the masseter muscle pain. Seeking advice from a healthcare professional is recommended to ensure safe and effective treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
The masseter muscle is a large, thick, quadrilateral muscle that is involved in the chewing movement of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is one of the four pairs of muscles used for chewing.
Humans have two masseter muscles, one on each side of the face. The masseter muscle originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle.
Masseter muscle hypertrophy is the enlargement of the masseter muscle due to being overworked. This can be caused by emotional stress, chronic clenching or grinding, gum chewing, or simply a preference for chewing on one side.
There are two approaches to treating masseter muscle hypertrophy: conservative/non-surgical therapies and surgical procedures. Conservative therapies include splint therapy, behaviour therapy, and botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injection therapy. Surgical procedures involve the partial removal of the masseter muscle and jawbone or liposuction of the fat near the muscle.
