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Deep Part of Masseter
Muscular System

Deep Part of Masseter

Pars profunda masseteris

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Quick Facts

Origin: Inferior aspect of zygomatic arch.

Insertion: Lateral aspect of coronoid process and ramus of mandible.

Action: Elevates mandible; assists in protraction of mandible.

Innervation: Masseteric nerve (CN V3).

Arterial Supply: Masseteric, transverse facial, and facial arteries.

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Origin

The deep part of the masseter muscle originates from the inferior aspect of the zygomatic arch and fascia over the temporalis muscle. It extends inferiorly in a vertical direction. It may also attach to the temporomandibular joint, where it is not covered by the superficial part of the masseter muscle (Standring, 2016).

Insertion

The deep component of the masseter inserts into the lateral aspect of the coronoid process and the superior portion of the ramus of the mandible.

Actions

Overall, the masseter muscle is involved in multiple actions:

- elevates the mandible at the temporomandibular joint;

- assists in protraction of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint (Standring, 2016).

List of Clinical Correlates

- Trismus

References

Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.

Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products

Masseter Muscle

ScienceDirect image

The masseter muscle is a powerful superficial quadrangular muscle originating from the zygomatic arch and inserting along the angle and lateral surface of the mandibular ramus.

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