Muscle
Masseter
Strongest muscle of mastication
High-yield
Most powerful muscle of mastication for biting; all four muscles of mastication are supplied by CN V3.
Overview
A thick powerful quadrangular muscle over the ramus of the mandible that is the strongest elevator of the jaw for biting.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Zygomatic arch and maxillary process of the zygomatic bone
- Insertion
- Lateral surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible
- Action
- Elevates the mandible (closes the jaw) for biting; assists protrusion
- Innervation
- Masseteric nerve from the mandibular division of the trigeminal (CN V3)
- Blood supply
- Masseteric artery (from the maxillary artery)
Frequently asked questions
What does the masseter do?
The masseter elevates the mandible (closes the jaw) for biting; assists protrusion.
What nerve innervates the masseter?
The masseter is innervated by the masseteric nerve from the mandibular division of the trigeminal (CN V3).
Where does the masseter attach?
The masseter originates from the zygomatic arch and maxillary process of the zygomatic bone and inserts on the lateral surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible.
What is the blood supply of the masseter?
The masseter is supplied by the masseteric artery (from the maxillary artery).