Masseter origin and insertion

Masseter runs from the zygomatic bone and temporal bone to the mandible. It has two parts: the superficial part and the deep part.

What are the origin and insertion of masseter?

Masseter arises from the lower border of the zygomatic arch (zygomatic bone and temporal bone). It inserts on the angle and the outer surface of the ramus of the mandible. Its main action is elevation of the mandible. It is supplied by the masseteric nerve (V3), from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. The attachments, actions and nerve follow Gray (1918).

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Every attachment and its bone

Origins 2

Origins of masseter, with the bone each is on
Attachment	Bone	Part
Lower border of the zygomatic arch, zygomatic bone	Zygomatic bone	All parts
Lower border of the zygomatic arch, temporal bone	Temporal bone	All parts

Insertion 1

Insertion of masseter, with the bone each is on
Attachment	Bone	Part
Angle and the outer surface of the ramus of the mandible	Mandible	All parts

Actions

The actions of masseter, and which are its main ones
Action	What moves	Main or assisting
Jaw elevation	The mouth closes	Main action

Each action is stated in the anatomical position: standing, arms by the sides, palms forward.

Innervation

The masseteric nerve (V3), from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve.

Sources

Gray (1918), Myology, the muscles of mastication

See it in 3D

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