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The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a fan-shaped muscle located on each side of the head, occupying the temporal fossa. It is one of the four primary muscles involved in mastication (chewing). The temporalis muscle is divided into anterior, middle and posterior regions, with each region having a different function. The anterior portion moves the mandible upwards, while the posterior portion pulls the mandible backward. The middle portion is involved in both elevation and retraction of the mandible. The temporalis muscle is also associated with jaw pain and headaches, especially when overworked due to bruxism or clenching of the jaw.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Temporalis muscle (or temporal muscle) |
| Shape | Fan-shaped |
| Type | Masticatory muscle |
| Function | Responsible for moving the mandible in various directions to facilitate actions such as chewing, speaking, and yawning |
| Location | Side of the head in the "temple" or temporal fossa |
| Blood supply | Deep temporal arteries which anastomose with the middle temporal artery |
| Nerve supply | Third (mandibular) branch of the trigeminal nerve |
| Thickness | Varies from 15 mm at the level of the zygomatic arch to 5 mm at its peripheral boundary |
| Involvement in pain | Likely to be involved in jaw pain and headaches |
| Involvement in surgery | Used in reconstructive surgery of the mouth and surgical reconstruction of the eardrum |
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What You'll Learn
The temporalis muscle is one of the muscles of mastication (chewing)
The temporalis muscle is involved in the movement of the mandible, allowing for actions such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. Its anterior portion moves the mandible upwards, while its posterior fibres pull the mandible backward. The middle portion of the muscle, which contains oblique fibres, is used for both the elevation and retraction of the mandible. The unilateral contraction of the temporalis muscle is important for side-to-side movements of the jaw.
The temporalis muscle can be divided into two functional parts: the anterior and posterior portions. The anterior fibres of the muscle run vertically, while the posterior fibres are oriented horizontally. These fibres converge onto a tendon that inserts onto the coronoid process of the mandible. The muscle receives its blood supply from the deep temporal arteries, which anastomose with the middle temporal artery.
The temporalis muscle is a powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint and is the primary retractor of the mandible. It is capable of generating significant contractile strength. However, tension in the temporalis muscle can lead to pain in the temporal area, jaw pain, and headaches. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can result in overwork of the muscle and subsequent pain.
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It is a fan-shaped muscle, covering the lateral aspect of the cranium
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a fan-shaped muscle that covers the lateral aspect of the cranium. It is a large, broad muscle that fits on each side of the head in the "temple" or temporal region. This muscle is one of the muscles responsible for mastication (chewing). It is a powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint, facilitating the movement of the mandible in various directions, including elevation and retraction. The temporalis muscle can be palpated, or felt, contracting when the jaw is clenching and unclenching.
The temporal muscle is divided into three functional parts: the anterior, middle, and posterior regions. The anterior portion runs vertically, and its contraction results in the elevation of the mandible, or closing of the mouth. The posterior portion has fibres that run horizontally, and their contraction results in the retrusion of the mandible. The middle portion has fibres that run in an oblique direction, and they are responsible for both the elevation and retraction of the mandible. Additionally, unilateral contraction of the temporalis muscle contributes to the side-to-side movements of the jaw.
The temporalis muscle originates from the temporal fossa, an area of the skull below the temporal line, and the deep part of the temporal fascia. It forms a tendon that inserts onto the coronoid process of the mandible, extending to the retromolar fossa. The muscle is covered by the temporal fascia, also known as the temporal aponeurosis, and receives its blood supply from the deep temporal arteries.
The temporalis muscle is frequently associated with jaw pain and headaches. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, and clenching of the jaw can lead to overwork of this muscle, resulting in pain. In cases of seizures, a myotendinous rupture of the muscle can occur due to extreme clenching of the jaw. The temporalis muscle may be involved in reconstructive surgery of the mouth and eardrum, highlighting its importance in the temporal region.
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It is divided into anterior, middle and posterior regions
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a muscle of mastication (chewing) located along the side of the head in the temporal fossa. It is a fan-shaped muscle that fills the temporal fossa, covering much of the temporal bone. The muscle is divided into anterior, middle and posterior regions.
The anterior portion of the muscle consists of fibres that run in a vertical direction. Contraction of the anterior portion results in the elevation of the mandible (closing the mouth). The posterior portion, on the other hand, has fibres that run horizontally. Contraction of the posterior portion results in the retrusion of the mandible.
The middle portion of the muscle contains oblique fibres, which pass through the lateral aspect of the skull. The fibres in this region run in an oblique direction towards the inferior and anterior, facilitating both elevation and retraction of the mandible. A unilateral contraction of the middle portion provokes lateral movement of the mandible.
The temporalis muscle is covered by the temporal fascia, which is commonly used in tympanoplasty or the surgical reconstruction of the eardrum. The muscle receives its blood supply from the deep temporal arteries, which anastomose with the middle temporal artery. The thickness of the muscle varies from 15 mm at the level of the zygomatic arch to 5 mm at its peripheral boundary.
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It is supplied blood by the deep temporal arteries
The temporalis muscle is a powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint. It is a large, fan-shaped masticatory muscle covering the lateral aspect of the cranium. The muscle is involved in jaw pain and headaches. Bruxism, or the habitual grinding of teeth, can lead to overwork of the temporalis muscle, resulting in pain.
The muscle is supplied blood by the deep temporal arteries, which are branches of the superficial temporal artery. The deep temporal arteries anastomose with the middle temporal artery. The temporalis muscle has a duplex blood supply from the anterior and posterior deep temporal arteries, which originate from the second (pterygoid). The blood supply is furnished by the middle and deep temporal arteries, with the internal maxillary artery also playing a role.
The deep temporal arteries are important for the health of the temporalis muscle. Vasculitides, such as giant cell arteritis, can cause swelling and pain in the temporal area due to inflammation of the superficial temporal artery. This artery runs in front of the ear along the zygomatic arch to the temporal area.
The temporalis muscle is covered by the temporal fascia, also known as the temporal aponeurosis or deep temporal fascia. This fascia is a strong, thick layer that adheres closely to the muscle's surface. The deep temporal fascia is divided into superficial and deep layers, which surround the superficial temporal fat pad. The temporalis muscle itself is divided into anterior and posterior parts, with the anterior portion responsible for the elevation of the mandible, and the posterior portion responsible for retrusion.
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It is likely to be involved in jaw pain and headaches
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint. It is a broad, fan-shaped muscle on each side of the head that fills the temporal fossa. The muscle is involved in the movement of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint, facilitating the act of mastication (chewing).
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 unilateral contraction of the temporalis muscle is important for side-to-side movements of the jaw.
Tension or trigger points in the temporalis muscle can cause pain in the temporal area, jaw, and headaches. This tension is often caused by trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the side of the head. Teeth grinding (bruxism) is another common cause of tension in the temporalis muscle, leading to overwork and pain. Bruxism often occurs during sleep or when an individual is under stress, and many people are unaware that they are doing it. Additionally, gum chewing and forward head posture can contribute to the development of trigger points in the muscle.
When the temporalis muscle becomes inflamed, overworked, and tired, the pain can spread beyond the jaw to the ears, shoulders, neck, and skull. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this can lead to headaches, including migraines. Treatment options for the associated pain and headaches include over-the-counter pain relievers, chiropractic care, and dental interventions.
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Frequently asked questions
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a large, fan-shaped muscle that fits on each side of the head in the "temple". It is one of the muscles of mastication (chewing).
The temporalis muscle moves the mandible in various directions to facilitate actions such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. It can be divided into two functional parts: the anterior and posterior. The anterior portion moves the mandible upwards, while the posterior portion pulls the mandible backwards.
The temporalis muscle is likely to be involved in jaw pain and headaches. Bruxism, or the habitual grinding of teeth, can lead to overwork of the temporalis muscle, resulting in pain.
