The temporal muscle, or simply temporalis, is a broad, fan-shaped muscle located on each side of the skull. This muscle covers most of the external surface of the squamous part of the temporal bone by filling the temporal fossa.

The temporal muscle is covered by a fascia that has the same name as the muscle - the temporal fascia. Additionally, the temporalis is the largest masticatory muscle, and it provides elevation and retraction of the mandible.

The temporal muscle is composed of various fibers - anterior fibers have a vertical orientation, mid fibers are obliquely directed, and posterior fibers have an almost horizontal direction.

All these fibers converge anteroinferior and form a common tendon that leaves the temporal fossa by passing under the zygomatic arch. The tendon then reaches the coronoid process of the mandible, where it inserts.

Origin: temporal plane below the superior temporal line of the parietal bone, deep surface of the temporal fascia.

Insertion: coronoid process of the mandible.

Action: elevates the mandible (anterior and mid fibers), retracts the mandible by pulling it backward (posterior fibers), side-to-side movements of the mandible.

Innervation: deep temporal nerve that is a branch of the mandibular division (CN V3) of the trigeminal nerve (CN V).

Blood supply: anterior and posterior deep temporal arteries of the maxillary artery, middle temporal artery of the superficial temporal artery.

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Temporal muscle