Latin: Musculus masseter
Definition
The masticatory muscle (musculus masseter) is a masticatory muscle of the skeletal muscles and is responsible for closing the jaw together with the temporalis and medial pterygoid muscles. In addition, the masseter promotes the flow of saliva by exerting pressure on the salivary gland (Glandula parotis).
History
Base: front 2/3 of the zygomatic arch Origin: mandibular bone (ramus mandibulae; tuberosity masseterica) Innervation: masseteric nerve of the mandibular nerve
Function
The masticatory muscle closes the jaw and presses on the salivary gland (Glandula parotis), which promotes salivation. It is therefore an important muscle for chewing.
Common diseases
The masticatory muscle plays a role in diseases and malpositions of the temporomandibular joint such as craniomandibular dysfunction. You can also find further complaints of the temporomandibular joint here.
