Victor Forge
The human body is made up of more than 600 muscles that help us do everything from breathing to running marathons. One of these muscles is the masseter, which is considered the strongest muscle based on its weight. The masseter is the primary chewing muscle, and it is one of the four muscles of the masticatory apparatus. It originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle. The masseter helps elevate the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure, and it also provides support to the articular capsule of the temporomandibular joint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Masseter muscle |
| Origin | Zygomatic arch |
| Extension | Mandibular angle |
| Parts | Superficial and deep |
| Type | Masticatory muscle |
| Function | Elevation and protrusion of the mandible |
| Blood supply | Masseteric artery |
| Innervation | Masseteric nerve |
| Strength | Strongest muscle based on its weight |
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What You'll Learn
The masseter muscle is the strongest muscle by weight
The masseter muscle is a paired, strong, 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 the masticatory apparatus, alongside the temporal muscle, lateral pterygoid muscle, and medial pterygoid muscle. The masseter muscle is responsible for elevating the mandible, resulting in a powerful jaw closure. This action is essential for chewing, which is evident in the muscle's etymology, as the word "masseter" comes from the Greek "masasthai," meaning "to chew."
The masseter muscle is considered the strongest muscle in the human body relative to its size and weight. This strength is attributed to its unique leverage, resembling a class 2 lever, which allows it to exert immense force during chewing and grinding. The masseter muscle can become enlarged in individuals who habitually clench or grind their teeth, a condition known as masseteric hypertrophy.
While the masseter muscle is exceptionally strong for its size, other muscle groups, such as the plantar flexor group (calf muscles), possess greater overall strength due to their larger muscle mass. Additionally, the cardiac muscle, which makes up the wall of the heart, stands out for its forceful contraction capabilities. However, when it comes to dynamic strength, or the ability to perform repeated motions, the masseter muscle's endurance in activities like chewing and speaking contributes to its reputation as the strongest muscle by weight.
The masseter muscle is susceptible to tension, especially in singers, who may experience masseter tension that can be alleviated through transdermal massages or stretches as part of their vocal warm-up routine. Furthermore, the masseter muscle plays a role in the distinctive features of certain animals, such as mole-rats, where it passes partially through the infraorbital foramen, and in toothed whales, where it has been repurposed for echolocation.
In summary, the masseter muscle's strength by weight is remarkable, earning it the title of the strongest muscle relative to its size. Its unique leverage mechanism, essential role in chewing, and susceptibility to tension contribute to its notable characteristics. However, when considering absolute strength or maximum force, other muscle groups with larger masses may surpass the masseter muscle in overall power.
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It is the primary muscle for chewing
The masseter muscle is the primary muscle for chewing. The word masseter comes from the Greek word "masasthai", which means "to chew". It is one of the four muscles of the masticatory apparatus, along with the temporalis, lateral pterygoid, and medial pterygoid muscles. These muscles attach to the mandible, enabling functions such as chewing and grinding. The masseter muscle is a strong, quadrangular muscle that covers the lateral aspect of the ramus of the mandible. It consists of two layers: a superficial layer and a deep layer. The superficial layer is larger and arises from the maxillary process of the zygomatic bone and the anterior two-thirds of the zygomatic arch. The deep layer is much smaller and arises from the posterior third of the lower border and the medial surface of the zygomatic arch.
The masseter muscle's main function is to elevate the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure. The contraction of the superior part, which runs diagonally to the front, moves the mandible forward in a protrusion movement. The masseter muscle also contributes to stabilizing the tension of the articular capsule of the temporomandibular joint. In addition, the masseter muscle can become enlarged in individuals who habitually clench or grind their teeth or chew gum. This condition, known as masseteric hypertrophy, is asymptomatic and usually bilateral but can lead to asymmetry of the face due to unequal enlargement of the muscles.
The masseter muscle is supplied with blood by the masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery. The innervation of the masseter muscle comes from the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve. The medial or inner surface of the muscle is related to the ramus of the mandible, forming the lateral wall of the facial space called the submasseteric space. The entire superficial aspect of the muscle is covered with strong masseteric fascia. The masseter muscle is a distinguishing feature of hystricognathous creatures such as mole-rats, where it passes partially through the infraorbital foramen and connects to the bone on the opposite side.
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It is one of the four muscles of the masticatory apparatus
The masseter muscle is one of the four muscles of the masticatory apparatus. The word 'masseter' comes from the Greek 'masasthai', meaning 'to chew'. It is the primary chewing muscle and is located in the cheek area. The masseter is a paired, strong, thick, and rectangular muscle. It originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle. It consists of a superficial and a deep part. The superficial part of the muscle lies over its deep part and originates from the maxillary process of the zygomatic bone. It then runs inferoposteriorly to the masseteric tuberosity found on the lower part of the superficial side of the ramus of the mandible. The deep head is much smaller and more muscular in texture. It arises from the posterior third of the lower border and from the whole of the medial surface of the zygomatic arch.
The masseter muscle is supplied with blood by the masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery. The entire superficial (or lateral) aspect of the muscle is covered with thin but very strong masseteric fascia. The medial or inner surface of the muscle is mostly related to the ramus of the mandible, almost completely covering its superficial surface. The medial aspect of the masseter muscle forms the lateral wall of the facial space called the submasseteric space. This is a paired potential space between the lateral aspect of the mandible and the medial aspect of the masseter muscle.
The masseter muscle's positioning is a distinguishing feature of hystricognathous creatures such as mole-rats, where it passes partially through the infraorbital foramen and connects to the bone on the opposite side. In toothed whales, the masseter muscle has become redundant due to a shift from chewing to swallowing. However, it still provides the tissue for acoustic fat bodies, including the melon, used for echolocation.
The masseter muscle is one of the muscles of mastication, along with the temporalis, lateral pterygoid, and medial pterygoid muscles. The major function of the masseter is to elevate the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure. The contraction of the superior part, which runs diagonally to the front, moves the mandible forward (protrusion). The muscle also helps to stabilise tension in the articular capsule of the temporomandibular joint.
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The masseter muscle is paired, strong, thick and rectangular
The masseter muscle is a paired, strong, thick, and rectangular muscle originating from the zygomatic arch and extending down to the mandibular angle. It is one of the four muscles of the masticatory apparatus, responsible for the action of mastication or chewing. The masseter muscle is a powerful muscle that elevates the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure. The contraction of the superior part, which runs diagonally to the front, moves the mandible forward, a process known as protrusion.
The masseter muscle consists of a superficial and a deep part. The superficial portion of the muscle originates from a thick aponeurosis on the temporal process of the zygomatic bone. The fibres of the superficial portion pass inferior-posteriorly over the deep portion and insert into the angle of the mandible. 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 muscle's superior portion.
The entire superficial (lateral) aspect of the muscle is covered with thin but very strong masseteric fascia. The duct of the parotid gland passes across the surface of the muscle, located anterolaterally. The medial or inner surface of the muscle is mostly related to the ramus of the mandible, almost completely covering its superficial surface. The medial aspect of the masseter muscle forms the lateral wall of the facial space, called the submasseteric space.
The masseter muscle is supplied with blood by the masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery. It is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve carries both sensory and motor fibres. Singers often experience masseter tension, which can be treated with transdermal massages or stretches as a vocal warm-up.
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Singers often experience masseter tension
The masseter muscle is one of the four muscles of mastication, or chewing. The word masseter comes from the Greek "to chew". It is a strong, thick, quadrilateral muscle that originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle. It consists of a superficial and a deep part. The muscle helps elevate the mandible, raising the lower jaw, and causing a powerful jaw closure.
Singers often experience various kinds of masseter tension. This can be caused by a gap in knowledge or technique, or by the singer's current identity or beliefs. For example, a singer might want to create high, powerful, belting-type sounds, but hold a belief that being loud might be perceived as annoying or aggressive. This creates friction between the desire to project their voice and holding it back, resulting in tension. Tension in the masseter muscle can also be caused by teeth grinding or clenching, or even from wearing masks, which cause the mouth to tense as it tries to hold the mask in place.
Masseter tension can be treated with transdermal massages or stretches as a vocal warm-up. One way to release the masseter is to hook your thumbs under your cheekbones and press into that spot. This is the masseter's insertion point in the skull and you should feel some discomfort or tightness. Rest your elbows on a table and let your head hang from your thumbs for 30-45 seconds, then release and massage the area.
The masseter muscle is a distinguishing feature of hystricognathous creatures such as mole-rats, where it passes partially through the infraorbital foramen and connects to the bone on the opposite side. In toothed whales, the masseter muscle is redundant, as food ingestion has shifted from chewing to swallowing.
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Frequently asked questions
The master muscle, also known as the masseter muscle, is the primary chewing muscle. It is a strong, thick, and rectangular muscle that originates from the zygomatic arch and extends down to the mandibular angle.
The main function of the masseter muscle is to elevate the mandible, causing a powerful jaw closure. It also helps stabilize the tension of the articular capsule of the temporomandibular joint.
Like all muscles in the body, the masseter muscle is made up of thousands of small fibers woven together. These fibers contract and relax to enable movements like chewing and grinding.
Enlargement of the masseter muscle, known as masseteric hypertrophy, can occur in individuals who habitually clench or grind their teeth or chew gum. This condition is usually asymptomatic and soft, but it can lead to asymmetry of the face due to unequal enlargement of the muscles.
Masseter tension is common among singers and can be treated with transdermal massages or stretches as vocal warm-ups.
