MuscleMuscles of mastication
Masseter
Latin: M. masseter
Location: Face
View the masseter in 3DOrigin
Zygomatic arch (superficial and deep heads from the zygomatic bone and arch).
Insertion
Angle and ramus of the mandible, coronoid process.
Action
Elevates the mandible to close the jaw — one of the most powerful muscles for its size; superficial fibres assist protrusion and it contributes to side-to-side grinding.
Nerve supply
Masseteric nerve (V3 — mandibular division of the trigeminal).
Blood supply
Masseteric artery (maxillary artery).
Clinical relevance
Masseter hypertrophy squares the jaw in chronic nocturnal tooth-grinding (bruxism) and is treated with botulinum toxin; its tenderness during mastication marks trismus of odontogenic infection.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.