Temporal muscle

Last reviewed: December 13, 2019

The temporal muscle, also know as the temporalis, is a flat, fan-shaped muscle of mastication on the lateral side of the head. It is a broad muscle on each side of the skull . The muscle lays within the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch so it covers much of the temporal bone.

Due to its size it can be palpated without difficulty, especially when the patient opens and closes his mouth alternately. The temporal muscle is often involved in jaw pain and headaches.

Key facts about the temporal muscle
Origin	temporal fossa (up to inferior temporal line), temporal fascia
Insertion	apex and medial surface of coronoid process of mandible
Innervation	deep temporal branches of mandibular nerve (CN V3)
Function	elevates mandible (anterior fibres); retracts mandible (posterior part)

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the temporal muscle.

Contents

Anatomy
1. Origins and insertions
2. Innervation
Function
Clinical aspects
Related diagrams and images

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Anatomy

Origins and insertions

It arises from the temporal fossa, a large depression on the side of the skull, and the temporal fascia which completely covers the surface of the muscle.

From there, the muscle descends through the gap between the zygomatic arch and the skull, forms a thick tendon and inserts at the coronoid process of mandible.

Innervation

The temporalis is innervated by the anterior and posterior deep temporal nerves branching off from the mandibular nerve.

Function

The temporalis is the most powerful muscle of the temporomandibular joint. Functionally, the muscle can be divided into two parts: the anterior part runs almost vertically and moves the mandible forward (protrusion).

Clinical aspects

Tension of the temporal muscle can induce pain in the temporal area. Common causes include:

misalignments of the teeth and jaws
trauma
a prolonged immobilisation (e.g. after a mandibular fracture)
teeth grinding (bruxism)
a dental intervention during which the person's mouth had to be open for a long period of time.

Clinically, it is important to rule out an inflammation of the superficial temporal artery, which runs in front of the ear along the zygomatic arch to the temporal area. Vasculitides, such as the giant cell arteritis, frequently involve the superficial temporal artery and cause swelling and massive pain in the temporal area. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a temporal artery biopsy.

Related diagrams and images

Muscles of mastication

Main muscles of the head and neck

Optic chiasm level

This article covers the anatomy of the muscles of mastication, including their origins, insertions, and innervation. Click now to learn more at Kenhub!

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Temporal muscle