Masseter

The Masseter is a facial muscle.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Both the superficial and the deep portion attach to the zygomatic arch.
• Insertion: Attaches to the coronoid process and to the superior half of the ramus and the angle of the mandible.

Action: This muscle of mastication elevates the mandible and clenches the teeth.

Synergist: Temporalis, Medial Pterygoid, and Superior division of lateral Pterygoid.

Antagonist: Geniohyoid, Omohyoid, Hypoglossus, Anterior belly of Digastric, Inferior division of Lateral Pterygoid.

Nerve Supply: Trigeminal nerve (Cranial Nerve V).

Vascular supply: Masseteric, transverse facial and the muscular branches of the facial artery.

• Primary: The pain refers to the eyebrow, the upper and lower jaw, the molar teeth, deep into the ear to the region of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ).
• Satellite or associated triggers: Temporalis, Medial Pterygoid, Sternocleidomastoid.

Click on a small image to view an enlarged image

Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Headache, toothache, jaw and ear pain, restricted jaw opening, unilateral ringing of the ears, facial pain.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Prolonged forward head bending, persistent chewing or gritting of teeth, maintaining the mouth in an open fixed position, or the usage of ill fitting or worn dental prosthesis.

Differential Diagnosis: Tinnitus, Pulpitis, Diseased teeth, Broken tooth syndrome, Jaw dislocation or fracture, Tooth Abscess, Mastoiditis, Periapical infection, Ear infection, Eardrum perforation, Barotrauma, Cholesteatoma, Mumps, Sinusitis, Oral cancer, Tetanus, Trigeminal neuralgia (Tic douloureux), (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) C2 radiculopathy or neuropathy, Temporal mandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), Trismus, Angina pectoris, Myocardial Infarction, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

Back to Top