Quick Facts
Origin: Inferior aspect of zygomatic arch.
Insertion: Lateral aspect of ramus of mandible.
Action: Elevates mandible; assists in protraction of mandible.
Innervation: Masseteric nerve (CN V3).
Arterial Supply: Masseteric, transverse facial, and facial arteries.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The superficial part of the masseter muscle is the largest portion of the masseter. It originates from the inferior aspect of the zygomatic arch.
Insertion
The fibers of the superficial part of the masseter muscle course inferiorly and posteriorly and attach to the lateral aspect of the inferior 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).
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
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.
