Temporalis muscle
Musculus temporalis
- Synonym: Temporal muscle
- Related terms: Temporalis; Temporal muscle
Definition
Origin: Greater part of the temporal fossa, between the lower temporal line and the infratemporal crest (frontal, sphenoid and parietal bone) and on the medial part of the zygomatic arch through the temporal fascia (temporal bone).
Insertion: Coronoid process of the mandible
Artery: Deep temporal
Nerve: Third branch (mandibular nerve) of the trigeminal nerve
Action: Elevation and retraction of mandible
Antagonist: Platysma muscle
Description:
The Temporalis (Temporal muscle) is a broad, radiating muscle, situated at the side of the head. It arises from the whole of the temporal fossa (except that portion of it which is formed by the zygomatic bone) and from the deep surface of the temporal fascia. Its fibers converge as they descend, and end in a tendon, which passes deep to the zygomatic arch and is inserted into the medial surface, apex, and anterior border of the coronoid process, and the anterior border of the ramus of the mandible nearly as far forward as the last molar tooth.
