Temporal muscle

Temporal muscle

The Temporal muscle is one of the muscles of mastication. It is a broad, fan-shaped muscle on each side of the head that fills the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch so it covers much of the temporal bone.

Anatomy

The muscle originates from the temporal fossa and the deep part of temporal fascia. It passes medial to the zygomatic arch and forms a tendon which inserts onto the coronoid process of the mandible, with its insertion extending into the retromolar fossa posterior to the most distal molar tooth.

Function

The temporal muscle is a muscle of mastication and its role is to elevate the mandible (close the jaw) and retract the mandible.

Clinical significance

In temporal arteritis, the temporal muscle may be sore. It may be involved in jaw pain and headaches.

See also

• Mastication
• Mandible
• Temporal fossa
• Zygomatic arch
• Coronoid process
• Retromolar fossa
• Temporal arteritis
• Jaw pain
• Headaches

Temporal muscle Resources
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