
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a muscle of mastication (chewing) and is located on the lateral aspect of the skull. It is a powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint and is involved in jaw pain and headaches. The muscle receives its innervation from the anterior, middle, and posterior deep temporal nerves, which are branches of the mandibular nerve (V3) or the third branch of the trigeminal nerve. The temporalis muscle is also supplied by branches of the buccal nerve and the masseteric nerve.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Innervation | Anterior, middle and posterior deep temporal branches of the anterior trunk of the mandibular nerve (V3) |
| Synonyms | Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, Cranial nerve V3 |
| Origin | Temporal fossa, temporal fascia |
| Insertion | Coronoid process of the mandible |
| Shape | Fan-shaped, convergent |
| Function | Mastication (chewing), elevation and retraction of the mandible |
| Blood supply | Deep temporal arteries, middle temporal artery |
| Surgical use | Pedicled flap in reconstructive surgery |
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What You'll Learn
- The temporalis muscle is innervated by the motor branches of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
- The deep temporal nerves of the mandibular nerve innervate the temporalis
- Branches of the buccal nerve innervate the anterior part of the temporalis
- Branches of the masseteric nerve innervate the posterior part of the temporalis
- The temporalis muscle is used in reconstructive surgery

The temporalis muscle is innervated by the motor branches of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
The temporalis muscle is a masticatory muscle that facilitates the movements of the mandible, or jawbone. It is a large, fan-shaped convergent muscle on each side of the head that fills the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch. The temporalis muscle is the strongest muscle of the temporomandibular joint and is involved in multiple actions, including elevating and retracting the mandible at the temporomandibular joint.
The trigeminal nerve, or cranial nerve V, has three main branches: the ophthalmic branch (V1), the maxillary branch (V2), and the mandibular branch (V3). The mandibular branch, also known as the third division of the trigeminal nerve, supplies innervation to the muscles of mastication, including the temporalis muscle. This branch of the trigeminal nerve carries both sensory and motor information, allowing for the coordination of movements and sensations in the jaw and mouth region.
The temporalis muscle receives a rich blood supply from the deep temporal arteries, which anastomose with the middle temporal artery. This blood supply contributes to the muscle's strength and functionality. The muscle's broad origin and insertion points provide a wide range of motion, allowing for the elevation and retraction of the mandible during chewing and jaw movements.
The understanding of the temporalis muscle's innervation and anatomy is clinically significant, especially in reconstructive surgery. The muscle's versatility and vascular supply make it useful as a pedicled flap in maxillofacial and oral reconstructions. However, the complex anatomy of the temporalis muscle and its innervating branches can pose challenges in surgical procedures, requiring a detailed understanding of the supplying vessels and nerves to ensure successful outcomes.
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The deep temporal nerves of the mandibular nerve innervate the temporalis
The temporalis muscle is a muscle of mastication (chewing). It is a large, fan-shaped, convergent muscle on each side of the head that fills the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch. The muscle is involved in multiple actions, including the elevation and retraction of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint.
The temporalis muscle is a powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint. It can be divided into two functional parts: the anterior and the posterior. The anterior portion runs vertically, and its contraction results in the elevation of the mandible (closing the mouth). The posterior portion has fibres that run horizontally, and contraction of this portion results in the retrusion of the mandible. The unilateral contraction of the temporalis muscle plays an important role in the side-to-side movements of the jaw.
The temporalis muscle is covered by the temporal fascia, also known as the temporal aponeurosis. The muscle receives its blood supply from the deep temporal arteries, which anastomose with the middle temporal artery. The rich blood supply of the temporalis muscle makes it suitable for use as a surgical flap in reconstructive surgery.
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Branches of the buccal nerve innervate the anterior part of the temporalis
The temporalis muscle is a muscle of mastication (chewing) and is located on the lateral aspect of the skull. It is a large, fan-shaped muscle that fills the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch, and covers much of the temporal bone. The muscle fibres are arranged more vertically anteriorly and posterosuperiorly posteriorly. The temporalis muscle is innervated by the motor branches of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. Specifically, the muscle is supplied by the deep temporal nerves, which originate from the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve and enter the muscle on its medial surface.
The temporalis muscle has three clear parts: the superficial part, the zygomatic part, and the deep part. The deep temporalis contains muscle bundles that originate from the temporal fossa and insert into the medial aspect of the coronoid process and retromolar triangle. The muscle is innervated by the deep temporal nerves, which are branches of the trigeminal nerve.
The temporalis muscle can be divided into two functional parts: the anterior and posterior parts. The anterior portion of the muscle runs vertically, and its contraction results in the elevation of the mandible, which closes the mouth. The posterior portion has fibres that run horizontally, and contraction of this portion results in the retrusion of the mandible. The middle portion, with fibres running in an oblique direction towards the inferior and anterior, is used for both elevation and retraction of the mandible.
The branches of the buccal nerve innervate the anterior part of the temporalis muscle. The buccal nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve, which is a division of the trigeminal nerve. The mandibular nerve is also known as the cranial nerve V3. The buccal nerve provides motor innervation to the temporalis muscle, along with the masseteric nerve and the deep temporal nerves.
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Branches of the masseteric nerve innervate the posterior part of the temporalis
The temporalis muscle is a fan-shaped muscle that fills the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch. It is involved in mastication (chewing) and facilitates the movements of the mandible. The temporalis muscle is innervated by the motor branches of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. Specifically, the deep temporal nerves of the mandibular nerve (98%), branches of the buccal nerve (95%), and branches of the masseteric nerve (69%) are responsible for innervation.
The masseteric nerve is a branch of the trigeminal nerve, specifically the mandibular division (V3). It supplies motor function to the muscles of mastication, including the temporalis muscle. The masseteric nerve has several branches, including the anterior, middle, and posterior deep temporal branches. These branches innervate different parts of the temporalis muscle.
The posterior part of the temporalis muscle is involved in the retraction of the mandible. It consists of fibers that run almost horizontally, in contrast to the vertically oriented fibers of the anterior part. The posterior fibers contract to pull the mandible backward (retrusion).
Given the involvement of the masseteric nerve in innervating the temporalis muscle and the distinction between the anterior and posterior parts of the muscle, it can be inferred that branches of the masseteric nerve innervate the posterior part of the temporalis muscle. This inference is supported by the finding that branches of the masseteric nerve account for 69% of the innervation of the temporalis muscle, indicating a significant contribution to its motor function.
In summary, the temporalis muscle is innervated by several nerves, including the deep temporal nerves, branches of the buccal nerve, and branches of the masseteric nerve. The posterior part of the temporalis muscle is responsible for mandible retraction and is likely innervated by branches of the masseteric nerve, contributing to its motor function.
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The temporalis muscle is used in reconstructive surgery
The temporalis muscle is a powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint that facilitates the movements of the mandible, or jaw closure, and is used in reconstructive surgery. It is a muscle of mastication (chewing) and is located on the lateral aspect of the skull, on the side of the temple, extending to the jaw. The temporalis muscle is innervated by the anterior, middle, and posterior deep temporal nerves, which are branches of the mandibular nerve (V3), or the third (mandibular) branch of the trigeminal nerve.
The temporalis muscle has a broad origin point, spanning the entire surface of the temporal fossa, and some fibres originate from the temporal fascia. The muscle is divided into anterior and posterior parts, with the anterior fibres running vertically and the posterior fibres running horizontally. The contraction of the anterior fibres results in the elevation of the mandible, or closing of the mouth, while the contraction of the posterior fibres results in retrusion of the mandible.
Additionally, the temporalis muscle can be used as a pedicled flap in reconstructive surgery. A detailed understanding of the supplying vessels and nerves is necessary for successful muscle transposition. The arterial supply of the temporalis muscle includes the anterior deep temporal artery, the posterior deep temporal artery, and the middle temporal artery.
The temporalis muscle transfer procedure typically requires hospitalization for 24 to 72 hours, and patients are advised to eat a soft diet and avoid pressure on the operated side of the face for four weeks after surgery. Physical therapy and practice are important components of the postoperative period to achieve a natural and efficient smile.
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Frequently asked questions
The temporalis 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 is innervated by the deep temporal nerves, which arise from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve.
The temporalis muscle facilitates the movements of the mandible. The anterior portion of the muscle runs vertically and its contraction results in the elevation of the mandible (closing the mouth). The posterior portion has fibres that run horizontally, and contraction of this portion results in retrusion of the mandible.











































