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The masseter muscle is a powerful and primary muscle that is involved in the chewing of solid foods. It is a rectangular-shaped muscle that is divided into two sections: the superficial and deep portions. The masseter muscle is located on both sides of the face, extending from the cheekbone down to the angle of the mandible. It is one of the four muscles of mastication, along with the temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid muscles. The masseter muscle is supplied with blood by the masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, and is innervated by the mandibular nerve.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of masseter muscles | 2 (one on each side of the jaw) |
| Shape | Thick, rectangular, quadrilateral |
| Number of layers | 3 (superficial, intermediate, deep) |
| Muscle function | Elevation of the mandible, chewing, stabilising the temporomandibular joint |
| Muscle disorders | Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), masseter hypertrophy |
| Muscle treatment | Physiotherapy, Botox injections, surgery |
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What You'll Learn
- The masseter muscle is a thick, quadrilateral muscle with three heads: superficial, deep, and coronoid
- It originates from the zygomatic arch and maxillary process of the zygomatic bone
- The masseter muscle's main function is to elevate and protrude the mandible, assisting in chewing
- Masseter muscle hypertrophy is a condition where the muscle enlarges, often due to overwork from teeth grinding or emotional stress
- The muscle is involved in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), which cause pain and tenderness in the jaw and surrounding muscles
The masseter muscle is a thick, quadrilateral muscle with three heads: superficial, deep, and coronoid
The masseter muscle is divided into two sections: the superficial and deep portions. The superficial portion of the masseter is the thick and tendon-like portion of the muscle that connects to the zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone. The deep portion is smaller and more muscular, and it connects to the jawbone. The masseter muscle is controlled by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve.
The superficial head of the masseter muscle arises from the zygomatic process of the maxilla, the temporal process of the zygomatic bone, and the anterior two-thirds of the inferior border of the zygomatic arch. Its fibres pass inferior and posterior, inserting into the angle of the mandible and inferior half of the lateral surface of the ramus of the mandible. The deep head of the masseter muscle arises from the posterior third of the lower border and the whole of the medial surface of the zygomatic arch. Its fibres pass downward and forward, inserting into the upper half of the ramus as high as the coronoid process of the mandible.
The coronoid head of the masseter muscle fibres run posterolaterally from the coronoid process of the mandible towards the posterior third of the zygomatic arch. Its function is believed to be the retraction of the mandible and the stabilisation of the mandibular coronoid process. The masseter muscle can become enlarged in patients who clench or grind their teeth, even in those who constantly chew gum. This condition is known as masseteric hypertrophy and can result in a square-shaped jawline, restricted movement of the jaw, pain, or headaches.
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It originates from the zygomatic arch and maxillary process of the zygomatic bone
The masseter muscle is a paired, thick, and rectangular muscle that consists of a superficial and a deep part. It is one of the muscles of mastication, which are involved in chewing. The masseter muscle is the primary muscle that brings the teeth together when chewing solid foods. It is also the most obvious muscle of mastication since it is the most superficial and one of the strongest.
The masseter muscle originates from the zygomatic arch and the maxillary process of the zygomatic bone. The zygomatic arch is a specific anatomical structure within the cheekbone (zygomatic bone). It is formed by the zygomatic process of the temporal bone and the temporal process of the zygomatic bone, which are united by an oblique suture known as the zygomaticotemporal suture. The masseter muscle arises specifically from the anterior two-thirds of the inferior border of the zygomatic arch.
The zygomatic bone, also known as the zygoma, is a paired, irregularly-shaped bone that defines the anterior and lateral portions of the face. It contributes to the formation of the zygomatic arch, as well as the walls of the temporal and infratemporal fossae, and the floor and lateral wall of the bony orbit. The zygomatic bone has three surfaces: the lateral (facial) surface, the posteromedial (temporal) surface, and the orbital surface. The masseter muscle originates from the maxillary process of the zygomatic bone, which arises from the anterosuperior angle of the bone.
The superficial part of the masseter muscle is the thick and tendon-like portion that connects to the zygomatic bone or cheekbone. It originates from the maxillary process of the zygomatic bone and then extends down to the mandible. The deep part of the muscle consists of vertically directed muscle fibres and is smaller and more muscular in texture. It connects to the jawbone. The entire superficial aspect of the muscle is covered by a strong masseteric fascia.
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The masseter muscle's main function is to elevate and protrude the mandible, assisting in chewing
The masseter muscle is a powerful muscle used for chewing and eating food. It is one of the four pairs of muscles used for chewing. Humans have two masseter muscles, one on each side of the face. These muscles are thick, rectangular, and one of the strongest muscles in the human body. They originate from the zygomatic arch and extend down to the mandibular angle. The masseter muscle is divided into two sections: the superficial and deep portions. The superficial portion 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's main function is to elevate and protrude the mandible (lower jawbone), assisting in chewing. It helps to raise the lower jaw and bring the teeth together. This muscle is also involved in stabilising the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when clenching the teeth. The TMJ is where the mandible attaches to the skull below the ears.
The masseter muscle can become enlarged or hypertrophied in some individuals. This condition is often benign and asymptomatic, but it can cause aesthetic concerns due to its impact on facial appearance. Masseter hypertrophy may occur on one or both sides of the face and is associated with a square-shaped jawline. It can be caused by various factors, including emotional stress, teeth grinding, gum chewing, and jaw clenching. Treatment options for masseter hypertrophy include conservative therapies such as splint therapy, behaviour therapy, and botulinum toxin injections, as well as surgical procedures to reduce muscle size.
The masseter muscle plays a significant role in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which are conditions affecting the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and associated nerves. TMD can cause pain, tenderness, and difficulty with chewing and speaking. Treatment for TMD may involve physiotherapy, manual therapy techniques, and exercises to improve jaw movement.
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Masseter muscle hypertrophy is a condition where the muscle enlarges, often due to overwork from teeth grinding or emotional stress
The masseter muscle is a thick, quadrilateral-shaped muscle, with three heads: the superficial, deep, and coronoid. It is one of the muscles of mastication, and it is found only in mammals, being particularly powerful in herbivores to facilitate the chewing of plant matter. Humans have two masseter muscles, one on each side of the jaw. It is the primary muscle that brings the teeth together when chewing.
Masseter muscle hypertrophy is a condition where the muscle enlarges. It is considered a rare condition, and its exact cause is typically unknown. However, some common factors can contribute to overworking the masseter muscles, such as emotional stress and nervousness, and habits like gum chewing, chronic clenching, grinding, or bruxism, either during the day or while sleeping. It can also be caused by defective teeth, dysfunctional mastication, or TMJ disorders. People with psychological disorders or emotional disturbances that impact proprioception and the ability to keep the tone of the masseter muscle are at a higher risk of developing hypertrophy.
The condition was first described in 1880 by an English physician named JW Legg. It is usually asymptomatic, but it can be associated with pain, clenching, grinding, headaches, and functional disorders of the jaw. The most frequent complaint about masseter hypertrophy is that it can result in a square-shaped jawline, creating a more masculine look in female patients or a bottom-heavy appearance. In cases of unilateral masseter hypertrophy, it can cause jaw asymmetry.
Treatment options for masseter muscle hypertrophy include conservative or non-surgical therapies, such as splint therapy and behaviour therapy, and more invasive procedures like Botox injections or surgery.
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The muscle is involved in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), which cause pain and tenderness in the jaw and surrounding muscles
The masseter muscle is a strong, thick, rectangular muscle found in pairs on each side of the jaw. It is one of the muscles responsible for mastication (chewing). The masseter muscle is involved in elevating and protruding the mandible, as well as supporting the articular capsule of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of conditions that affect the TMJ or the surrounding muscles, causing pain and tenderness in the jaw and associated muscles and ligaments. TMDs can result in various symptoms, including jaw pain, headaches, stiffness in the jaw, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, and popping or clicking of the jaw.
The masseter muscle is commonly implicated in TMDs. For example, individuals who habitually clench or grind their teeth (bruxism) may experience enlargement of the masseter muscle, known as masseteric hypertrophy. This condition can lead to restricted movement of the jaw and contribute to the pain and tenderness associated with TMDs.
In addition to bruxism, other factors that can contribute to TMDs include jaw injuries, arthritis, and everyday wear and tear. The treatment for TMDs varies depending on the individual and may include medication, physical therapy, custom mouth guards, and, in some cases, jaw surgery.
The masseter muscle plays a crucial role in TMDs, and understanding its function and anatomy is essential for diagnosing and treating these disorders effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
The masseter muscles are located on both sides of the face, extending from the cheekbone down to the angle of the mandible (jawbone).
The masseter muscle is rectangular-shaped with two sections: the superficial and deep portions.
The masseter muscle is one of the muscles of mastication, which means it helps with chewing by elevating and protruding the lower jaw.
The word "masseter" comes from the Greek "masasthai", which means "to chew".
