Where is it located and what are its boundaries?
The anatomical space of the temporal region is bounded by the following structures:
- Superior and posterior boundaries — squamous margin of the temporal bone.
- Inferior boundary — infratemporal crest of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone (crista infratemporalis).
- Anterior boundary — zygomatic and frontal bones.
- Outer boundary — temporal fascia (fascia temporalis) and zygomatic arch.
- Inner boundary — squamous part of the temporal bone (pars squamosa ossis temporalis).
Three fascial layers are distinguished in the temporal region: the subcutaneous fat layer, the middle layer between the aponeurosis and the muscle, and the deep layer located directly between the temporalis muscle and the bone.
Structure and biomechanics
The temporalis muscle originates from the periosteum of the temporal fossa (planum temporale) and from the deep surface of the temporal aponeurosis.
- Course of fibers: the bundles converge inferiorly and anteriorly, transitioning into a robust tendon.
- Insertion: attaches not only to the coronoid process (processus coronoideus) but also to the anterior margin of the mandibular ramus. A surgical feature is that the tendon is so firmly fixed that during operations, instead of dissecting it, surgeons must saw through the coronoid process.
- Function: elevates the mandible, while its posterior fibers provide retraction (posterior displacement).
Blood supply and innervation
The muscle has a vascular network and is innervated by motor fibers of the trigeminal nerve:
- Blood supply: provided by the deep temporal arteries (aa. temporales profundae anterior et posterior), which ascend into the temporal fossa between the cranium and the muscle, as well as the middle temporal artery (a. temporalis media).
- Innervation: motor fibers originate from the trigeminal nerve (V3).
Clinical significance and topography
The temporalis muscle is closely related to adjacent fascial spaces and pathological processes:
- Routes of infection spread: the fascial space of the temporal region communicates with the infratemporal fossa, pterygopalatine fossa, buccal fat pad (fat body of cheek), and the deep compartment of the parotid-masseteric region.
- Trauma: with a blow from top to bottom to the chin region while the teeth are firmly clenched, the powerful temporalis muscle can cause an avulsion of the thin coronoid process of the mandible. In zygomatic arch fractures, chewing impairment is associated with trauma to the temporalis and masseter muscles.
Attaches to the coronoid process and elevates the mandible; innervation is by motor fibers of the trigeminal nerve.
Class and exam questions
Where does the temporalis muscle originate?
It originates from the periosteum of the temporal fossa (planum temporale) and from the deep surface of the temporal aponeurosis.
Where does the temporalis muscle insert?
The muscle attaches to the coronoid process (processus coronoideus) and the anterior margin of the mandibular ramus.
Which arteries supply the temporalis muscle?
It is supplied by the deep temporal arteries (aa. temporales profundae) and the middle temporal artery.
What else to study on this topic
- Masseter muscle (m. masseter)
- Medial and lateral pterygoid muscles
- Maxillary artery (a. maxillaris)
- Trigeminal nerve (n. trigeminal)
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