Masseter

The masseter is a muscle of mastication (chewing). It is quadrangular in shape and has two parts – deep and superficial.

• Attachments:
  • The superficial part originates from maxillary process of the zygomatic bone.
  • The deep part originates from the zygomatic arch of the temporal bone.
  • Both parts attach to the ramus of the mandible.
• Actions: Elevation of the mandible (closes the mouth).
• Innervation: Mandibular nerve (V₃).
• Blood Supply: Masseteric artery (branch of maxillary artery).

By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025)

Fig 1
The masseter muscle. Only the superficial head is visible