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The temporalis muscle is a fan-shaped muscle on each side of the head that fills the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch. It is one of the muscles of mastication (chewing) and is involved in jaw pain and headaches. The muscle is accessible on the temples and can be seen and felt contracting while the jaw is clenching and unclenching. It is divided into two functional parts: the anterior portion, which runs vertically and elevates the mandible (closing the mouth), and the posterior portion, which has fibres that run horizontally and cause retrusion of the mandible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Fan-shaped |
| Location | On each side of the head, covering the temporal fossa |
| Function | Responsible for the elevation and retraction of the mandible, facilitating the act of mastication |
| Parts | Anterior, middle and posterior |
| Blood supply | Deep temporal arteries, branches of the superficial temporal artery, and internal maxillary artery |
| Nerve supply | Deep temporal nerves, branches of the anterior division of the mandibular nerve |
| Involvement | Jaw pain, headaches, bruxism, and clenching of the jaw |
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What You'll Learn
- The temporalis muscle is one of the muscles of mastication (chewing)
- It is a fan-shaped muscle that fills the temporal fossa
- The anterior portion of the muscle moves the mandible upwards, closing the mouth
- The posterior portion has fibres that run horizontally and move the mandible backward
- The temporalis muscle is likely to be involved in jaw pain and headaches
The temporalis muscle is one of the muscles of mastication (chewing)
The temporalis muscle is one of the four primary muscles of mastication (chewing). It is a fan-shaped muscle situated within the temporal fossa of the skull. The temporalis muscle is the strongest muscle of the temporomandibular joint. The temporalis muscle can be divided into two functional parts: anterior and posterior. The anterior portion runs vertically, and its contraction results in the elevation of the mandible (closing the mouth). The posterior fibres have a horizontal orientation and their contraction results in the retrusion of the mandible. The middle fibres have an oblique orientation and are used for both elevation and retraction of the mandible. The unilateral contraction of the temporalis muscle is important for the side-to-side movement of the jaw.
The temporalis muscle is a broad muscle that occupies most of the temporal fossa. Its origin point spans the entire surface of the fossa below the temporal line. The temporalis muscle fibres converge inferiorly, forming a tendon that exits the temporal fossa, passing underneath the zygomatic arch and inserting on the coronoid process of the mandible. The temporalis muscle covers the temporal fossa with its deep surface. Superficially, the muscle is covered by the temporal fascia, masseter muscle, subcutaneous tissue, and skin. The temporalis muscle is derived from the first pharyngeal arch in development.
The temporalis muscle is likely to be involved in jaw pain and headaches. Bruxism, the habitual grinding of teeth, typically while sleeping, and clenching of the jaw while stressed can lead to overwork of the temporalis 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. The temporalis muscle may be used in reconstructive surgery of the mouth.
The temporalis muscle is supplied by the deep temporal nerves, which are branches of the mandibular nerve. The muscle receives its blood supply from the deep temporal arteries, which anastomose with the middle temporal artery. The temporalis muscle is palpated over the temple at the hairline, anterior to the ear and superior to the zygomatic bone.
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It is a fan-shaped muscle that fills the temporal fossa
The temporalis muscle is a fan-shaped muscle that fills the temporal fossa. The temporal fossa is a large floor made up of four skull bones: the parietal, temporal, frontal, and sphenoid bones. The fossa is mostly occupied by the temporalis muscle, which has a wide attachment spread across the fossa. The muscle is covered by the temporal fascia, also known as the temporal aponeurosis, and is accessible on the temples. It can be seen and felt contracting when the jaw is clenched and unclenched.
The temporalis muscle is the most powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint. It can be 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 contraction of this portion results in the retrusion of the mandible. The middle portion, with fibres running in an oblique direction towards the inferior and anterior, is used for both the elevation and retraction of the mandible. A unilateral contraction of this portion also provokes lateral movement of the mandible.
The temporalis muscle is one of the four primary muscles of mastication (chewing of food). Along with the medial pterygoid, lateral pterygoid, and masseter muscles, it belongs to the group of masticatory muscles. The temporalis muscle runs superficially, from the temporal bone to the coronoid process of the mandible. The main function of this muscle is to produce the movements of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint and thus facilitate the act of mastication.
The temporalis muscle is supplied by the deep temporal nerves, which are motor branches of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CNV3). The main arterial supply is derived from branches of the maxillary artery. The muscle receives its blood supply from the deep temporal arteries, which anastomose with the middle temporal artery. The deep temporal arteries course superiorly between the temporalis muscle and the pericranium, supplying the overlying muscle.
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The anterior portion of the muscle moves the mandible upwards, closing the mouth
The temporalis muscle is a fan-shaped muscle located within the temporal fossa of the skull, on each side of the head. It is one of the muscles responsible for mastication (chewing). The muscle is covered by the temporal fascia and can be seen and felt contracting when the jaw is clenched.
The temporalis muscle can be divided into two functional parts: the anterior and the posterior. The anterior portion of the muscle moves the mandible upwards, closing the mouth. This part of the muscle runs vertically, with its fibres converging inferiorly to form a tendon that inserts onto the coronoid process of the mandible. The contraction of the anterior portion results in the elevation of the mandible.
The posterior portion of the muscle has fibres that run horizontally, and its contraction results in the retrusion of the mandible. The middle portion of the muscle has fibres that run in an oblique direction towards the inferior and anterior, facilitating both the elevation and retraction of the mandible. When the middle portion contracts unilaterally, it provokes a lateral movement of the mandible.
The temporalis muscle is the most powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint. It is involved in jaw pain and headaches, often caused by bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenching of the jaw. The muscle receives its blood supply from the deep temporal arteries, which connect with the middle temporal artery. The control of the muscle comes from the third (mandibular) branch of the trigeminal nerve.
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The posterior portion has fibres that run horizontally and move the mandible backward
The temporalis muscle, also known as the temporal muscle, is one of the muscles responsible for mastication (chewing). It is a fan-shaped muscle that can be found on each side of the head, covering the temporal bone and filling the temporal fossa. The muscle is involved in jaw pain and headaches, and its tension can induce pain in the temporal area.
The temporalis muscle can be divided into two functional parts: the anterior and the posterior. The anterior portion is responsible for the elevation of the mandible, resulting in the closing of the mouth. On the other hand, the posterior portion, which is the focus of this discussion, plays a different role.
The posterior portion of the temporalis muscle has fibres that run horizontally. When these posterior fibres contract, they cause the retrusion or backward movement of the mandible. This means that they move the mandible posteriorly, in the opposite direction to the anterior portion. This function of the posterior fibres is crucial for the overall movement of the jaw, particularly in the side-to-side grinding motion.
The temporalis muscle is the most powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint, and it plays a significant role in the retraction of the mandible. The contraction of its posterior fibres, which run almost horizontally, is essential for the backward movement of the mandible. This horizontal orientation of the posterior fibres distinguishes them from the anterior fibres, which have a vertical orientation, and the mid fibres, which have an oblique orientation.
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The temporalis muscle is likely to be involved in jaw pain and headaches
The temporalis muscle is a thin, fan-shaped muscle located within the temporal fossa of the skull. It is one of the muscles responsible for mastication (chewing). The temporalis muscle can be divided into two functional parts: the anterior and posterior. The anterior portion moves the mandible upwards, facilitating the closing of the mouth, while the posterior portion pulls the mandible backward. The temporalis muscle is the most powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint.
Given its function in jaw movement, the temporalis muscle is likely to be involved in jaw pain. Tooth clenching or grinding, prolonged mouth opening, muscle strains, nail-biting, and trauma such as whiplash can cause inflammation within the tendon, leading to pain. Bruxism, the habitual grinding of teeth, often during sleep, and clenching of the jaw due to stress can lead to overwork of the temporalis muscle, resulting in pain. In some cases, a myotendinous rupture of the temporalis muscle can occur during a seizure due to extreme clenching of the jaw.
The pain associated with the temporalis muscle can extend beyond the jaw. When the muscle becomes inflamed, overworked, and tired, the pain can spread to the ears, shoulders, neck, and skull. According to sources, including the Cleveland Clinic, this can lead to headaches, including migraines. This condition is known as temporal tendinitis and can be caused by prolonged mouth opening, increased stress, tooth grinding, direct trauma to the muscle, or excessive gum chewing. Coronoid Process Hyperplasia, a rare condition causing mouth-opening limitations, can also lead to temporal tendinitis.
There are various treatments available for pain and headaches related to the temporalis muscle. Over-the-counter pain relievers and visiting a chiropractor or dentist are recommended as initial steps. Applying moist heat to the muscle can help relax it, improve blood circulation, and reduce headaches. Acupressure points, such as Taiyang and LI4, can also provide relief for temporal headaches. In cases of temporal tendinitis, injections of anesthetics and pain-blockers are often used as treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
The temporalis muscle is a fan-shaped muscle that is one of the muscles of mastication (chewing).
The temporalis muscle is situated within the temporal fossa of the skull. It is accessible on the temples.
The main function of the temporalis muscle is to produce the movements of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint and thus facilitate the act of mastication.
The temporalis muscle can be 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 contraction of this portion results in retrusion of the mandible.
The temporalis muscle is likely to 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 temporalis muscle and result in pain.
