C h e c k o u t A B M P 's P o c k e t P a t h o l o g y a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / a b m p - p o c k e t - p a t h o l o g y - a p p . 31
FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY
education
The masseter is a thick, strong muscle
and typically the most prominent
muscle of the jaw. It is located between
the zygomatic arch and the mandible and
has two parts. The larger, more superficial
segment originates from a thick aponeurosis
at the zygomatic process of the maxilla and
the anterior two-thirds of the lower edge of
the zygomatic arch. Dense fibers extend
inferiorly and posteriorly then insert at the
angle and lower half of the lateral surface of
the mandible. The smaller, deeper segment
originates at the posterior third of the lower
border and entire medial surface of the
zygomatic arch. This portion is more muscular
in texture than its counterpart. The deep fibers
extend inferiorly and anteriorly to insert at the
upper half of the ramus and lateral surface
of the coronoid process of the mandible.
Masseter
By Christy Cael
MASSETER
Attachments
• Origin: Zygomatic process of the maxilla and zygomatic
arch of the temporal and zygoma bones
• Insertion: Angle, ramus, and lateral surface of the mandible
Actions
• Elevates the mandible
Innervation
• Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
