Temporalis muscle

Temporalis Muscle

The Temporalis muscle (pronounced tem-puh-RAH-lis) is one of the muscles involved in mastication, or the process of chewing. It is a broad, fan-shaped muscle located on the side of the skull, above and in front of the ear.

Etymology

The term "Temporalis" comes from the Latin word "tempus" which means "time". The muscle is so named because the area where it is located, the temple, is often associated with aging, as it is one of the first places where grey hairs appear.

Anatomy

The Temporalis muscle originates from the Temporal fossa and the deep part of the Temporal fascia. It passes medial to the Zygomatic arch and inserts onto the coronoid process of the Mandible, with its fibers converging to form a tendon.

Function

The Temporalis muscle is responsible for elevating the mandible, or closing the jaw, and retracting the mandible, or pulling it backwards. It is innervated by the Deep temporal nerves, branches of the Mandibular nerve, which is itself a branch of the Trigeminal nerve.

Related Terms

Mastication: The process of chewing.
Temporal fossa: The shallow depression on the side of the skull where the Temporalis muscle originates.
Temporal fascia: The layer of connective tissue that covers the Temporalis muscle.
Zygomatic arch: The bony arch on the side of the skull that the Temporalis muscle passes medial to.
Mandible: The lower jaw bone, onto which the Temporalis muscle inserts.
Deep temporal nerves: The nerves that innervate the Temporalis muscle.
Mandibular nerve: The nerve that gives rise to the Deep temporal nerves.
Trigeminal nerve: The nerve that the Mandibular nerve is a branch of.