Temporalis

Temporalis

The Temporalis is one of the muscles of mastication. It is a broad, fan-shaped muscle located on the side of the skull above and in front of the ear. The Temporalis is involved in closing the mouth and chewing.

Anatomy

The Temporalis originates from the temporal fossa and the deep part of the 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 Temporalis is one of the muscles involved in the complex process of chewing. Its primary functions are the elevation and retraction of the mandible.

Clinical significance

The Temporalis muscle can be involved in several clinical conditions. Temporalis muscle tension is a common cause of tension headaches. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) can also involve the Temporalis muscle.

See also

• Mastication
• Mandible
• Zygomatic arch
• Coronoid process
• Retromolar fossa
• Temporal fossa
• Temporal fascia
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
• Tension headache

Temporalis Resources
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