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The masseter muscle is one of the four muscles of mastication (chewing), along with the temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid muscles. It is a powerful, thick, and rectangular muscle that originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts along the angle and lateral surface of the mandibular ramus. The masseter muscle is responsible for the elevation of the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure, and some protraction. This muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) of the trigeminal nerve. The mandibular nerve carries both sensory and motor fibres, allowing the masseter muscle to contract and perform its functions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Muscle of mastication |
| Shape | Quadrangular, rectangular |
| Parts | Superficial, deep, coronoid |
| Origin | Zygomatic arch, maxillary process of the zygomatic bone |
| Insertion | Angle and lateral surface of the mandibular ramus |
| Innervation | Masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) of the trigeminal nerve |
| Blood Supply | Masseteric artery, a branch of the internal maxillary artery |
| Function | Elevation and protrusion of the mandible, support to the articular capsule of the temporomandibular joint, chewing |
| Reflex | Jaw jerk reflex, also known as the masseter or mandibular reflex |
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What You'll Learn
- The masseter muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve
- The masseteric nerve is a branch of the trigeminal nerve
- The trigeminal nerve carries both sensory and motor fibres
- The masseteric nerve crosses the mandibular notch to reach the masseter muscle
- The masseteric nerve supplies motor innervation to the masseter muscle
The masseter muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve
The masseter muscle is a powerful, thick, and rectangular muscle that is involved in the chewing motion. It is one of the four muscles of mastication, alongside the temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid muscles. These muscles are associated with movements of the jaw, including jaw closure and elevation of the mandible. The masseter muscle is unique in that it is the most superficial and one of the strongest of the chewing muscles, contributing to its important role in mastication.
The masseter muscle has two parts: a superficial portion and a deep portion. The superficial part of the muscle is covered by a thin but strong masseteric fascia. It originates from the maxillary process of the zygomatic bone and runs inferiorly and posteriorly to insert into the mandible. The deep portion of the masseter muscle, meanwhile, originates from the entire surface of the zygomatic arch and inserts along the mandibular ramus superior to the superficial portion.
The masseteric nerve branches off the mandibular nerve and crosses over the mandibular notch together with the masseteric artery to reach the deep portion of the masseter muscle. The masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, supplies blood to the masseter muscle. This intricate network of nerves and blood vessels ensures the proper functioning of the masseter muscle, contributing to the complex mechanics of mastication.
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The masseteric nerve is a branch of the trigeminal nerve
The masseter muscle is a powerful, thick, and rectangular muscle that is one of the muscles of mastication, or chewing. It is responsible for the elevation and protrusion of the mandible, causing the mouth to close. The masseter muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve, which is a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3), also known as the trigeminal nerve (CN V).
The masseteric nerve provides motor and sensory innervation to the masseter muscle. It originates from the infratemporal fossa and enters the masseter muscle by passing through the sigmoid notch of the mandible. It is located in the plane between the middle and deep lobes of the masseter. The masseteric nerve is important for the function of the masseter muscle, which is particularly strong in herbivores to facilitate chewing of plant matter.
The mandibular nerve (V3) is a branch of the trigeminal nerve, which is the fifth paired cranial nerve and the largest cranial nerve. The trigeminal nerve carries both sensory and motor fibers and is associated with derivatives of the first pharyngeal arch. It provides innervation to the skin, mucous membranes, and sinuses of the face, as well as innervation to the muscles of mastication.
The masseteric nerve branches off the mandibular nerve and crosses over the mandibular notch with the masseteric artery to the deep portion of the masseter muscle. The masseteric artery is a small branch that supplies blood to the masseter muscle. It passes through the mandibular notch of the mandible into the deep surface of the muscle.
The masseter muscle has two parts: the superficial part and the deep part. The superficial part of the muscle lies over the deep part and originates from the maxillary process of the zygomatic bone. It then runs inferiorly and posteriorly to the masseteric tuberosity on the lower part of the superficial side of the ramus of the mandible. The deep part of the masseter muscle originates from the entire surface of the zygomatic arch, and its fibers insert along the mandibular ramus superior to the superficial portion of the muscle.
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The trigeminal nerve carries both sensory and motor fibres
The masseter muscle is a powerful muscle found only in mammals, aiding in chewing and mastication. It is a thick, quadrilateral muscle consisting of superficial and deep parts. The masseter muscle is responsible for the elevation of the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure. The masseter is one of the four muscles of mastication, along with the temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid muscles. These muscles work together to facilitate the complex movements of the jaw.
The masseter muscle receives its innervation from the mandibular nerve, specifically the masseteric nerve, which is a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3). The mandibular nerve is the third branch of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is a cranial nerve that carries both sensory and motor fibres. This unique feature allows the trigeminal nerve to transmit sensory information and control motor functions related to the masseter muscle and other structures in the head and neck region.
The sensory fibres of the trigeminal nerve travel through specific pathways to reach their destinations. They enter the trigeminal ganglion and then continue to their target areas via the ophthalmic (V1), maxillary (V2), and mandibular (V3) divisions. These divisions allow the trigeminal nerve to provide sensory innervation to different regions of the head. The sensory fibres of the mandibular nerve, in particular, play a crucial role in providing sensation to the lower teeth, gums, lips, and the skin of the chin and lower jaw.
The motor fibres of the trigeminal nerve, on the other hand, bypass the trigeminal ganglion. Instead, they take a different route, passing through the portio minor, a small branch of the trigeminal nerve. The portio minor travels inferior to the trigeminal ganglion and through the foramen ovale before rejoining the mandibular nerve. This pathway allows the motor fibres to transmit motor signals to the masseter muscle and other muscles involved in mastication.
The masseteric nerve, as a branch of the mandibular nerve, carries motor fibres that specifically supply the masseter muscle. These motor fibres enable the contraction of the masseter muscle, allowing it to perform its primary function of elevating the mandible and contributing to some degree of protraction. The contraction of the masseter muscle results in the elevation of the mandible, leading to a powerful jaw closure. This action is essential for the chewing motion and plays a crucial role in the mastication process.
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The masseteric nerve crosses the mandibular notch to reach the masseter muscle
The masseter muscle is a powerful, thick, and rectangular muscle that is involved in the mastication (chewing) process. It is one of the four muscles of mastication, including the temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid muscles. The masseter muscle originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts along the angle and lateral surface of the mandibular ramus.
The masseter muscle receives its motor innervation from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, specifically through its special branch called the masseteric nerve. The masseteric nerve is responsible for supplying motor and sensory fibers to the masseter muscle.
The masseteric nerve originates from the anterior division of the mandibular nerve, also known as the mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve. After emerging from the anterior division of the mandibular nerve, the masseteric nerve runs laterally, crossing over the mandibular notch together with the masseteric artery.
The mandibular notch, also known as the sigmoid notch, is a significant landmark in the anatomy of the mandible. By crossing this notch, the masseteric nerve and artery gain access to the deep surface of the masseter muscle. This journey ensures that the nerve can effectively transmit motor and sensory information to and from the muscle, facilitating its function in mastication.
The masseteric nerve plays a crucial role in the function of the masseter muscle. It transmits motor impulses to the muscle, enabling it to contract and relax in a coordinated manner during the process of chewing. Additionally, the nerve receives sensory information from the muscle, providing feedback on its position, tension, and any associated sensations.
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The masseteric nerve supplies motor innervation to the masseter muscle
The masseter muscle is a powerful, thick, quadrangular muscle that is involved in the chewing motion. It is one of the four muscles of mastication, along with the temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid muscles. The masseter muscle is responsible for the elevation of the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure, and some protraction of the mandible. It originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts along the angle and lateral surface of the mandibular ramus.
The masseter muscle receives its motor innervation from the mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve. Specifically, it is innervated by a special branch of the mandibular nerve called the masseteric nerve. The masseteric nerve is a small branch that passes through the mandibular notch of the mandible and into the deep surface of the masseter muscle. It supplies motor innervation to the masseter muscle, allowing it to contract and perform its functions.
The trigeminal nerve, from which the masseteric nerve originates, carries both sensory and motor fibres. While the motor fibres of the masseteric nerve supply the masseter muscle, the sensory fibres of the mandibular nerve provide sensation to the lower teeth, gums, and lip, as well as the skin of the chin and lower jaw. The sensory fibres travel along the trigeminal nerve and reach their destinations via the mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve.
The masseter muscle has two divisions: the superficial and the deep. The superficial portion of the 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 deep portion of the masseter muscle, on the other hand, originates from the entire surface of the zygomatic arch and inserts along the mandibular ramus superior to the superficial portion.
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Frequently asked questions
The masseter muscle is one of the four muscles of mastication, or chewing. It is a powerful, thick, quadrangular muscle that originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts along the angle and lateral surface of the mandibular ramus.
The masseter muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) of the trigeminal nerve.
The masseter muscle is responsible for the elevation of the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure. It also helps with the protrusion movement, moving the mandible forward through the contraction of its superior part.
The word masseter comes from the Greek "μασᾶσθαι" ("masasthai"), which means "to chew".
