masseter

Introduction

Masticatory muscle of posterior cheek.

Origin

• superficial part: inferior border of the anterior 2/3 of the zygomatic arch
• deep part: inferior border & medial surface of the zygomatic arch

Insertion

• lateral surface of the ramus & coronoid process of the mandible

Action

elevates mandible (closes jaw)

Innervation

• masseteric branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V-3)

More general terms

• skeletal muscle (voluntary muscle)

Component of

• face