Muscles / Head & neck
Masseter
- Head & neck
- Head & face
- Superficial layer
Anatomy
- Origin
- Inferior border and medial surface of the zygomatic arch
- Insertion
- Lateral surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible, coronoid process
- Nerve
- Masseteric nerve from the mandibular nerve (CN V3)
Actions
- Elevates the mandible (closes the jaw)
- Superficial part assists protrusion
Notes
- Common source of pain in temporomandibular disorders.
References (4)
- Standring S, ed. Elsevier. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed.
- Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Wolters Kluwer. Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 9th ed.
- Neumann DA. Elsevier. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed.
- Betts JG, Young KA, Wise JA, et al. OpenStax (free, openly licensed textbook). Anatomy and Physiology 2e