
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a fan-shaped muscle on each side of the head. It is one of the muscles of mastication (chewing) and is involved in jaw pain and headaches. The muscle fibres are arranged vertically at the front for elevation of the mandible and horizontally at the back for retraction of the mandible. The temporalis muscle can be palpated over the temple at the hairline, in front of the ear and above the zygomatic bone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Description | Thin, broad, fan-shaped convergent muscle on each side of the head |
| Location | Temporal fossa of the skull, superior to the zygomatic arch |
| Function | Produces movements of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint, facilitating mastication (chewing) |
| Parts | Anterior, middle, and posterior portions with corresponding deep temporal nerves |
| Blood supply | Deep temporal branches of the maxillary artery and middle temporal branches of the superficial temporal artery |
| Nerve supply | Anterior, middle, and posterior deep temporal branches of the mandibular nerve (V3) |
| Arteries | Anterior deep temporal artery, posterior deep temporal artery, and middle temporal artery |
| Veins | Deep temporal veins |
| Thickness | Varies from 15 mm at the zygomatic arch to 5 mm at its peripheral boundary |
| Clinical relevance | Tension can induce pain in the temporal area; inflammation of the superficial temporal artery can cause swelling and pain |
| Involvement in pathologies | Bruxism (teeth grinding), myotendinous rupture during seizures, jaw pain, and headaches |
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What You'll Learn

The temporalis muscle is involved in jaw pain and headaches
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is one of the muscles responsible for mastication (chewing). It is a fan-shaped muscle located on each side of the head, in an area commonly referred to as the temple. The muscle arises from the temporal fossa and passes under the zygomatic arch to insert onto the coronoid process of the mandible.
Tension or trigger points in the temporalis muscle can also cause headaches, especially in the temporal area and sides of the head. This tension may be due to trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the side of the head. Furthermore, prolonged immobilization, such as after a jaw fracture, can also contribute to muscle tension and pain.
Treatment options for jaw pain and headaches related to the temporalis muscle include over-the-counter pain relievers, chiropractic care, and dental interventions. Massage and the use of sleep tape can also help reduce tension in the muscle. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
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It is a fan-shaped muscle that fills the temporal fossa
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a fan-shaped muscle that fills the temporal fossa. This muscle is one of the muscles of mastication, or chewing. It is a broad, convergent muscle found on each side of the head, superior to the zygomatic arch, allowing it to cover much of the temporal bone. The temporal muscle is the strongest muscle of the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. The muscle can be divided into two functional parts: the anterior and posterior.
The anterior portion of the muscle 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 contraction of this portion results in retrusion of the mandible, or backward movement of the jaw. The middle portion has fibres that run in an oblique direction and are used for both elevation and retraction of the mandible. A unilateral contraction of the middle portion provokes lateral movement of the mandible, or side-to-side movement of the jaw.
The temporalis muscle is a thin muscle that runs from the temporal bone to the coronoid process of the mandible. The muscle fibres are arranged more vertically in the anterior portion and posterosuperiorly in the posterior portion. The muscle can be divided into three parts: the superficial part, the zygomatic part, and the deep part. The zygomatic part of the muscle originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts into the superficial part of the muscle as it inserts into the lateral surface of the coronoid process. The deep part of the muscle contains bundles of muscle fibres that originate from the temporal fossa and insert into the medial aspect of the coronoid process.
The temporalis muscle is a powerful muscle that facilitates the movements of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint. It is one of four main muscles of mastication that originate from the surface of the skull and attach to the mandible at the temporomandibular joint. These muscles enhance the process of eating and assist in grinding food. The three other main muscles of mastication are the medial pterygoid, lateral pterygoid, and masseter muscles.
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It is one of the muscles of mastication (chewing)
The temporal muscle, also known as the temporalis muscle, is one of the muscles of mastication, or chewing. It is a broad, fan-shaped muscle on each side of the head, filling the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch. The temporal muscle is the largest of the masticatory muscles and is the primary muscle responsible for biting.
The muscle is divided into two functional parts: the anterior and posterior portions. The anterior portion runs vertically, and its contraction results in the elevation of the mandible, or closing the mouth. The posterior portion has fibres that run horizontally, and its contraction results in retrusion of the mandible. The middle portion, with fibres running in an oblique direction, is used for both elevation and retraction of the mandible and, in unilateral contraction, provokes lateral movement of the mandible.
The temporalis muscle is a powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint. It is the only masticatory muscle with nearly horizontally aligned fibres. It is also the only muscle with attachments not only to the bones but also to the capsule and articular disc of the TMJ. The muscle fibres are derived from all the bones of the neurocranium, except the occipital and ethmoid bones.
The temporalis muscle is supplied by the anterior deep temporal artery, the posterior deep temporal artery, and the middle temporal artery. The arteries are situated on the medial (deep) aspect of the muscle and are medial to the coronoid process. The muscle receives its innervation from the anterior, middle, and posterior deep temporal branches of the anterior trunk of the mandibular nerve (V3).
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It has anterior and posterior parts
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a fan-shaped muscle on each side of the head. It fills the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch, and covers much of the temporal bone. The muscle can be divided into two functional parts: the anterior and posterior.
The anterior portion of the muscle moves the mandible dorsocranially (elevation). The fibres of the anterior portion run in a vertical direction, which allows for the elevation of the mandible. The contraction of the anterior fibres results in the elevation of the mandible (closing the mouth). The anterior fibres have a vertical orientation.
The posterior portion has fibres that run horizontally, allowing for the retraction of the mandible. The contraction of the posterior fibres results in the retrusion of the mandible. The posterior fibres have a horizontal orientation.
The temporalis muscle is the strongest muscle of the temporomandibular joint and is one of the muscles of mastication (chewing). It is also 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 by the anterior deep temporal artery, the posterior deep temporal artery, and the middle temporal artery. These arteries are situated on the medial (deep) aspect of the muscle. The muscle receives its innervation from the anterior, middle, and posterior deep temporal branches of the anterior trunk of the mandibular nerve (V3).
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It is the strongest muscle of the temporomandibular joint
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a fan-shaped muscle on each side of the head. It is a masticatory muscle, which means it is involved in the act of chewing. The muscle originates from the temporal fossa and passes under the zygomatic arch to insert onto the coronoid process of the mandible. The main function of the temporal muscle is to produce movements of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint, allowing for the complex movements necessary for chewing, speaking, and breathing.
The temporalis muscle is the strongest muscle of the temporomandibular joint and is the primary retractor of the mandible. The contraction of the posterior fibres of the muscle results in the backward movement of the mandible (retrusion), while the contraction of its anterior fibres moves the mandible dorsocranially (elevation). These actions work in unison to facilitate the closing of the mouth and the approximation of the teeth. Additionally, the unilateral contraction of the temporalis muscle plays an important role in the side-to-side movements of the jaw.
The temporalis muscle has a complex structure and can be divided into two functional parts: the anterior and posterior portions. 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 their contraction results in the retrusion of the mandible. The middle portion, with fibres running in an oblique direction, is involved in both the elevation and retraction of the mandible, and its unilateral contraction provokes lateral movement of the mandible.
The temporalis muscle is a broad muscle that occupies most of the temporal fossa, an area outlined by the superotemporal line and the zygomatic arch. The thickness of the muscle varies from 15 mm at the level of the zygomatic arch to 5 mm at its peripheral boundary. The muscle receives its innervation from the anterior, middle, and posterior deep temporal branches of the anterior trunk of the mandibular nerve (V3). It is supplied by the anterior deep temporal artery, the posterior deep temporal artery, and the middle temporal artery.
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Frequently asked questions
The temporal muscles are located on each side of the head, covering much of the temporal bone.
The temporal muscles are one of the four primary muscles of mastication (chewing). They facilitate the movements of the mandible (closing the mouth).
The temporal muscles are fan-shaped muscles that originate from the temporal fossa and pass under the zygomatic arch. They can be divided into two functional parts: anterior and posterior.











































