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Temporalis origin and insertion

Temporalis runs from the temporal bone, parietal bone, frontal bone and sphenoid bone to the mandible.

What are the origin and insertion of temporalis?

Temporalis arises from the temporal fossa (temporal bone, parietal bone, frontal bone and greater wing of the sphenoid), and the deep surface of the temporal fascia. It inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible. Its main action is elevation of the mandible. It is supplied by the deep temporal nerves (V3), from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. The attachments, actions and nerve follow Gray (1918).

Every attachment and its bone

Origins 5

Origins of temporalis, with the bone each is on
Attachment Bone
Temporal fossa, temporal bone Temporal bone
Temporal fossa, parietal bone Parietal bone
Temporal fossa, frontal bone Frontal bone
Temporal fossa, greater wing of the sphenoid Sphenoid bone
Deep surface of the temporal fascia None The temporal fascia is not segmented in BodyParts3D.

Insertion 1

Insertion of temporalis, with the bone each is on
Attachment Bone
Coronoid process of the mandible Mandible

Actions

The actions of temporalis, and which are its main ones
Action What moves Main or assisting
Jaw elevation The mouth closes Main action
Retraction The jaw slides back Assists

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

Innervation

The deep temporal nerves (V3), from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve.

Sources

The values are facts and free to use; this page’s selection and presentation are © 2026 ScienceQuest.

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