Logan Steele
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a muscle used for chewing. It is a large, fan-shaped muscle on each side of the head that fills the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch. The temporal muscle originates on the temporal bone of the skull and inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible. It is divided into three portions due to the function of the muscle and direction of the muscle fibres. 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 contraction of this portion results in retrusion of the mandible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle type | Masticatory muscle (chewing) |
| Muscle structure | Fan-shaped convergent muscle |
| Muscle origin | Temporal fossa, temporal bone of the skull, lateral surface of the skull |
| Muscle insertion | Coronoid process of the mandible |
| Muscle innervation | Anterior, middle, and posterior deep temporal branches of the mandibular nerve |
| Muscle blood supply | Deep temporal branches of the maxillary artery, middle temporal branches of the superficial temporal artery |
| Muscle function | Elevation, retraction, and lateral movement of the mandible |
| Clinical relevance | Jaw pain, headaches, bruxism, myotendinous rupture, reconstructive surgery |
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What You'll Learn
The temporal muscle is a masticatory muscle
The temporal muscle, also known as the temporalis muscle, is a masticatory muscle that facilitates the movements of the mandible. It is a large, fan-shaped convergent muscle on each side of the head that fills the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch. The temporal muscle is the strongest muscle of the temporomandibular joint and the primary retractor of the mandible. It is derived from the first pharyngeal arch in development and has a complex structure. Sarcomeres are a consistent length, but larger muscle fibres vary in length in the muscle and between people.
The temporalis muscle is divided into two or three functional parts: anterior, middle, and posterior. The anterior portion runs vertically, and its contraction results in the elevation of the mandible (closing the mouth). The middle portion contains oblique fibres, which pass through the lateral aspect of the skull. The posterior portion is positioned horizontally, passing downward vertically to the mandible and bending around the posterior root of the zygomatic arch in front of the articular eminence. Unilateral contraction produces the same side lateral excursion during the side-to-side chewing activity, while bilateral contractions of the temporalis muscle cause elevation.
The temporalis muscle receives its innervation from the anterior, middle, and posterior deep temporal branches of the anterior trunk of the mandibular nerve (V3). It receives its blood supply from the deep temporal branches of the maxillary artery and middle temporal branches of the superficial temporal artery. The muscle is overlaid by the temporal fascia (or deep temporal fascia), which adheres closely to its surface. The temporal fascia is a strong, thick layer that attaches to the pericranium of the frontal, parietal, and temporal bones.
The temporalis muscle can be involved in jaw pain and headaches. Bruxism, the habitual grinding of teeth, and clenching of the jaw while stressed can lead to overwork of the muscle and result in pain. A myotendinous rupture of the temporalis muscle can occur during a seizure due to extreme clenching of the jaw. During a seizure, the contralateral temporalis muscle can enter spastic paralysis, and this clenching can lead to a rupture on the myotendinous insertion at the coronoid process of the mandible.
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It covers the temporal fossa
The temporal muscle, also known as the temporalis muscle, is a broad, fan-shaped convergent muscle on each side of the head. It fills and covers the temporal fossa, a fossa (shallow depression) on the side of the skull. The fossa is formed by the coming together of four skull bones—the frontal, parietal, temporal, and sphenoid bones—at a junction called the pterion. The fossa is bounded by the temporal lines above and the zygomatic arch below.
The temporalis muscle has a wide attachment spread across the fossa, with its origin point spanning the entire surface of the fossa below the temporal line. Some fibres also originate from the temporal fascia, a strong, thick layer of tissue that covers the temporal fossa and its contents. The muscle passes medial to the zygomatic arch, forming a tendon that inserts onto the coronoid process of the mandible.
The temporalis muscle is divided into anterior and posterior parts. The anterior fibres run almost vertically, while the posterior fibres are directed almost horizontally. Both sets of fibres converge onto a narrow tendon that runs medial to the zygomatic arch. The anterior portion of the muscle elevates the mandible (closing the mouth), while the posterior portion retracts the mandible.
The temporal fossa is an important landmark of the skull and contains several neurovascular structures, such as the deep temporal vessels and nerves. The deep temporal arteries (anterior, middle, and posterior) supply the overlying muscle and are accompanied by corresponding veins that drain the deep aspects of the fossa.
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It is divided into anterior and posterior parts
The temporalis muscle is a broad, fan-shaped convergent muscle on each side of the head that fills the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch. It covers much of the temporal bone and is involved in the movement of the mandible. The muscle is divided into anterior and posterior parts, with the anterior portion consisting of vertical fibres and the posterior portion consisting of horizontal fibres.
The anterior fibres of the temporalis muscle run in an almost vertical direction, while the posterior fibres are directed almost horizontally. The anterior portion's contraction results in the elevation of the mandible (closing the mouth). The contraction of the posterior fibres results in the retrusion of the mandible. The anterior fibres also receive their innervation from the anterior deep temporal branches of the mandibular nerve.
The temporalis muscle is innervated by the anterior, middle, and posterior deep temporal branches of the anterior trunk of the mandibular nerve (V3). It receives its blood supply from the deep temporal branches of the maxillary artery and middle temporal branches of the superficial temporal artery. The muscle is also supplied by the posterior deep temporal arteries.
The anterior fibres of the temporalis muscle originate from the inferior temporal line and temporal fossa. They descend into the superficial tendon infero-medially and insert at the apex, anterior, and posterior margins on the lateral and medial surfaces of the coronoid process. The anterior fibres form a tendon that inserts onto the apex and medial surface of the coronoid process of the mandible.
The posterior fibres of the temporalis muscle may radiate into the articular disc of the TMJ. They converge onto a narrow tendon that runs medial to the zygomatic arch. The posterior fibres also insert into the ramus of the mandible.
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It is innervated by the mandibular nerve
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint. It is a large, broad, fan-shaped convergent muscle on each side of the head that fills the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch. The temporal muscle is involved in jaw pain and headaches, and its contraction results in the elevation of the mandible (closing the mouth).
The temporal muscle is innervated by the mandibular nerve (CN V3). The mandibular nerve originates from the trigeminal ganglion of Gasser and exits the skull through the foramen ovale. Once it reaches the viscerocranium, it divides into two divisions: the anterior and posterior. Both divisions further divide into smaller branches that innervate the structures of the face. Specifically, the mandibular nerve transmits sensory information from the lower third of the face, including the lower lip, mandible, preauricular and temporal areas, as well as the meninges and anterior and middle cranial fossae.
The mandibular nerve is also responsible for the motor innervation of the masticatory muscles, including the temporal muscle. The deep temporal nerves consist of one anterior and one posterior branch. The anterior branch usually originates from the buccal nerve, while the posterior branch is given off directly from the anterior division of the mandibular nerve. Both branches innervate the temporal muscle.
The mandibular nerve also gives rise to the masseteric nerve, which passes anterior to the temporomandibular joint and provides a branch that innervates it. It then courses posterior to the tendon of the temporal muscle and terminates by perforating the masseter, which it also innervates.
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It is involved in jaw pain and headaches
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is a large, broad, fan-shaped convergent muscle on each side of the head. It is one of the muscles responsible for chewing, or mastication. It connects the side of the skull to the lower jawbone, allowing for the movement of the mandible. The temporal muscle is the strongest muscle of the temporomandibular joint and is divided into two functional parts: the anterior and posterior. 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 temporal muscle is likely to be involved in jaw pain and headaches. When the temporal muscle becomes inflamed, overworked, and tired, the pain can spread beyond the jaw to the ears, shoulders, neck, and skull. This pain can manifest as a headache or even a migraine. Bruxism, the habitual grinding of teeth, typically while sleeping, and clenching of the jaw while stressed, can lead to the overwork of the temporal muscle and subsequent pain.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and nerves associated with chronic facial pain. TMD can be caused by excessive strain on the jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. Trauma to the jaw, head, or neck can also cause TMD. Myofascial pain, the most common form of TMD, results in discomfort or pain in the muscles that control the jaw, neck, and shoulder function.
There are many ways to treat pain from the temporal muscle and associated headaches. A dentist can recommend the right treatment after a thorough dental examination. Treatment options depend on the cause and severity of the pain and headaches.
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Frequently asked questions
The temporal muscle, also known as the temporalis muscle, attaches to the coronoid process of the mandible.
The temporal muscle is a muscle of mastication (chewing). It facilitates the movement of the mandible (jaw).
The temporal muscle originates from the temporal fossa and the lateral surface of the skull.
The blood supply to the temporal muscle is provided by the deep temporal branches of the maxillary artery and middle temporal branches of the superficial temporal artery.
The temporal muscle may be used in reconstructive surgery of the mouth. Its ability to reattach easily after bone fragment replacement is considered during the procedure.
