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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
- Mastication
- Mandible
- Zygomatic arch
- Coronoid process
- Retromolar fossa
- Temporal fossa
- Temporal fascia
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
- Tension headache
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD