Maximus Gage
The masseter muscle is a powerful muscle that plays a major role in chewing solid foods. The name 'masseter' comes from the Greek word 'masasthai', meaning 'to chew'. The muscle is divided into two sections: the superficial and the deep. The superficial portion is thick and tendon-like, connecting to the cheekbone, while the deep portion is smaller and more muscular, connecting to the jawbone. The masseter muscle is one of the four muscles responsible for the action of mastication (chewing), and it is the primary muscle that brings the teeth together when chewing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | One of the four primary muscles of mastication (chewing) |
| Location | Two muscles, one on each side of the jaw |
| Parts | Superficial and deep |
| Shape | Rectangular, parallelogram, or quadrangular |
| Function | Elevates the mandible (jaw bone), causing a powerful jaw closure and bringing the teeth together in a chewing motion |
| Innervation | Masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) of the trigeminal nerve |
| Blood Supply | Masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery |
| Conditions | Masseter muscle hypertrophy, a rare condition causing an abnormally large masseter muscle |
| Treatment | Conservative therapy, surgery, or Botox injections |
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What You'll Learn
- The masseter muscle is one of the four muscles responsible for mastication (chewing)
- It is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve
- The muscle originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle
- It has two parts: the superficial and the deep
- Masseter muscle hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of the muscle
The masseter muscle is one of the four muscles responsible for mastication (chewing)
The masseter muscle is a powerful, thick, and rectangular muscle that is one of the four muscles responsible for mastication (chewing). It is a primary muscle of mastication and is responsible for the elevation of the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure. The masseter muscle originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts along the angle and lateral surface of the mandibular ramus. The word "masseter" comes from the Greek "masasthai", meaning "to chew".
The masseter muscle has two divisions: the superficial and the deep. The superficial portion of the masseter muscle is thick and tendon-like, connecting to the zygomatic bone (cheekbone). The deep portion is smaller and more muscular, connecting to the jawbone. The entire superficial aspect of the muscle is covered with strong masseteric fascia. The medial or inner surface of the muscle is related to the ramus of the mandible, which almost completely covers its superficial surface.
The masseter muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve carries both sensory and motor fibres. The sensory fibres provide sensation to the lower teeth, gums, and lip, as well as the skin of the chin and lower jaw. The masseter muscle receives its blood supply primarily from the masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery.
The masseter muscle is responsible for elevating the mandible, bringing the teeth together in a chewing motion. The contraction of the superior part moves the mandible forward (protrusion). The masseter muscle also helps to stabilise the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when clenching the teeth. Dysfunction of the masseter muscle can lead to pain, difficulty chewing, or swelling around the jaw and face, which can result in temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
The masseter muscle can become enlarged in individuals who habitually clench or grind their teeth or chew gum. This condition, known as masseter hypertrophy, is typically asymptomatic but can cause psychological distress due to the change in facial appearance. Conservative treatments for masseter hypertrophy include splint therapy, behaviour therapy, and botulinum toxin (Botox) injections.
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It is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve
The masseter muscle is one of the four muscles responsible for the action of mastication (chewing). It is a powerful, thick, and rectangular muscle with two divisions: the superficial and the deep. The superficial portion of the masseter muscle is thick and tendon-like, connecting to the zygomatic bone (cheekbone). The deep portion is smaller and more muscular, connecting to the jawbone. The masseter muscle is the key muscle that elevates the jaw during chewing.
The masseter muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve carries both sensory and motor fibres. 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 motor fibres of the masseteric nerve supply the masseter muscle, allowing it to contract and perform its primary function of elevating the mandible and some protraction.
The masseteric nerve crosses the mandibular notch to reach the masseter muscle. The masseter muscle receives its vascular supply from the masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, which is a branch of the external carotid artery. The masseteric artery is a small vessel that passes through the mandibular notch of the mandible into the deep surface of the masseter muscle.
The masseter muscle is a paired muscle, with one masseter muscle on each side of the jaw. It originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle. 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, with fibres running inferiorly and inserting along the mandibular ramus superior to the masseter muscle's superior portion.
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The muscle originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle
The masseter muscle is a powerful, thick, and rectangular muscle that originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle. It is one of the four muscles of mastication (chewing) and is responsible for the elevation of the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure. The masseter muscle is a paired muscle, with one masseter muscle on each side of the jaw.
The masseter muscle has two parts: the superficial portion and the deep portion. The superficial portion of the masseter muscle originates from the maxillary process of the zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone. It then runs downward and forward to insert into the upper half of the ramus, as high as the coronoid process of the mandible. The deep portion of the masseter muscle, on the other hand, originates from the entire surface of the zygomatic arch. Its fibres run inferiorly and insert 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, which is in turn a branch of the external carotid artery. The masseter muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve carries both sensory and motor fibres, allowing the masseter muscle to contract and perform its functions.
The masseter muscle works in conjunction with other muscles, such as the temporalis and the medial pterygoid, to close the jaw. It also plays a role in stabilizing the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when an individual clenches their teeth. The masseter muscle can become enlarged in individuals who habitually clench or grind their teeth, a condition known as masseter hypertrophy. While this condition is typically asymptomatic, it can cause psychological distress due to the change in facial appearance.
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It has two parts: the superficial and the deep
The masseter muscle is a powerful, thick, and rectangular muscle that originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle. It is one of the four muscles of mastication (chewing) and is responsible for the elevation of the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure. The masseter muscle has two parts: the superficial and the deep.
The superficial portion of the masseter muscle is the thick and tendon-like portion that connects to the zygomatic bone (cheekbone). It 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 into the upper half of the ramus as high as the coronoid process of the mandible. The entire superficial aspect of the muscle is covered with thin but very strong masseteric fascia. The superficial part of the muscle functions to move the mandible or lower jaw forward, bringing the lower front teeth in front of the upper front teeth.
The deep portion of the masseter muscle is smaller and more muscular, consisting of vertically directed muscle fibres. It originates from the entire surface of the zygomatic arch and the fibres run inferiorly and insert along the mandibular ramus superior to the masseter muscle's superior portion. Anteriorly, the deep portion is covered by the superior portion of the masseter, while posteriorly, the parotid gland covers it. The deep fibres retract the jaw or pull the lower jawbone backward.
The masseter muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) of the trigeminal nerve. The masseteric nerve supplies motor fibres to the masseter muscle, allowing it to contract and perform its primary function of elevating the mandible. The masseter muscle receives its blood supply primarily from the masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery.
The masseter muscle can become enlarged in individuals who habitually clench or grind their teeth, chew gum, or have bruxism. This condition is called masseter hypertrophy and can result in a square-angled face or jaw asymmetry. While masseter hypertrophy is typically asymptomatic, it can cause psychological distress due to the exaggerated appearance of the muscle. Treatment options include conservative therapies such as splint therapy, behaviour therapy, and Botox injections, as well as surgical procedures to reduce the size of the muscle.
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Masseter muscle hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of the muscle
The masseter muscle is a powerful, thick, and rectangular muscle that is one of the four primary muscles of mastication (chewing). It is responsible for the elevation of the mandible (jawbone), bringing the teeth together during chewing. The masseter muscle originates from the zygomatic arch (cheekbone) and inserts along the angle and lateral surface of the mandibular ramus (lower jawbone). It consists of two parts: the superficial portion, which is thick and tendon-like, and the deep portion, which is smaller and more muscular. The masseter muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (a division of the trigeminal nerve).
Masseter muscle hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of this muscle. This condition was first described in 1880 by an English physician named JW Legg. It is generally considered rare, and the exact cause is often unknown. However, certain factors can contribute to the overworking of the masseter muscles, such as emotional stress, chronic clenching or grinding, repetitive habits like gum chewing, or simply a preference for chewing on one side. Masseter hypertrophy is typically asymptomatic, but it can be associated with pain, clenching, grinding, and functional disorders of the jaw.
The most common complaint about masseter hypertrophy is that it can result in a square-angled face, creating a more masculine appearance in female faces or a bottom-heavy look. In cases of unilateral masseter hypertrophy, it can cause jaw asymmetry. While not life-threatening, this condition can cause psychological distress due to the exaggerated appearance of the muscle. Therefore, patients may seek treatment for aesthetic reasons.
Conservative or non-surgical therapies are available to treat masseter hypertrophy, including splint therapy, behaviour therapy, and botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections. The traditional method of treatment is surgery, which involves removing part of the masseter muscle and jawbone or performing liposuction near the muscle. However, surgery is less frequent nowadays due to its invasive nature and higher number of side effects compared to Botox injections.
In summary, masseter muscle hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of the masseter muscle, which can lead to aesthetic concerns and psychological distress for some individuals. Treatment options range from conservative therapies to surgical procedures, with Botox injections being a commonly used approach.
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Frequently asked questions
The masseter muscle is a powerful muscle responsible for the elevation of the mandible and some protraction, causing a chewing motion. It is one of the four muscles of mastication (chewing).
The masseter muscle elevates the mandible (jawbone), bringing the teeth together in a chewing motion. The masseter muscle also helps to stabilise the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when you clench your teeth.
You have one masseter muscle on each side of your jaw. One side of the muscle connects to your cheekbone (zygomatic bone) and the other side connects to your jawbone (mandible).
Masseter muscle hypertrophy is the enlargement of the masseter muscle, resulting in a square-shaped jawline. This condition is often asymptomatic but can be associated with pain, clenching, grinding, and functional disorders of the jaw.
