Temporalis
Mastication · Head & Neck
The temporalis is a broad, fan-shaped muscle of mastication that occupies the temporal fossa on the side of the skull. It arises from the floor of the temporal fossa and the overlying temporal fascia, and its fibres converge downward to pass deep to the zygomatic arch and insert on the coronoid process and anterior border of the ramus of the mandible. Its vertically oriented anterior fibres elevate the mandible to close the jaw, while its more horizontally oriented posterior fibres retract the mandible, drawing it backward. It is innervated by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3). The fan shape gives the muscle a dual role that pure elevators such as the masseter do not share.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Temporal fossa and temporal fascia
Insertion
Coronoid process and anterior border of ramus of mandible
Action
Elevates mandible (closes jaw); posterior fibers retract mandible
Nerve
Mandibular division of trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
Attachments explained
The Temporalis is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Temporal fossa and temporal fascia
Insertion
Coronoid process and anterior border of ramus of mandible
Action & function
When the Temporalis contracts, it produces the following movements: Elevates mandible (closes jaw); posterior fibers retract mandible.
As part of the Mastication group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Temporalis receives its nerve supply from the Mandibular division of trigeminal nerve (CN V3).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Mandibular division of trigeminal nerve can weaken or paralyse the Temporalis, impairing the movements it normally produces (elevates mandible (closes jaw)). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Temporalis (the OIANS method)
Study the temporalis by the direction of its fibres, because that alone explains its two actions. Picture the fan spreading over the temporal fossa: the front fibres run almost vertically and so elevate the mandible, while the back fibres run nearly horizontally and so retract it. Reasoning from fibre orientation is far more reliable than memorising the actions as an unconnected list.
Contrast the temporalis with the masseter to keep the mastication group straight. Both close the jaw, but only the temporalis retracts the mandible through its posterior fibres, and it inserts on the coronoid process rather than the angle. Recall that it shares the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3) with the rest of the group.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Temporalis located?
The Temporalis is a muscle of the Mastication group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Temporalis?
Temporal fossa and temporal fascia
What is the insertion of the Temporalis?
Coronoid process and anterior border of ramus of mandible
What movements does the Temporalis produce?
Elevates mandible (closes jaw); posterior fibers retract mandible
What nerve supplies the Temporalis?
Mandibular division of trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
Is the Temporalis free to study in OIANS?
The Temporalis is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Head & Neck is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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