Temporalis

The Temporalis is a cranial muscle.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the temporal fossa and the temporal fascia, superior to the zygomatic arch.
• Insertion: Attaches to the coronoid process and also to the anterior border of the ramus of the mandible.

Action: This muscle of mastication elevates and closes the jaw and retracts the mandible.

Synergist: Masseter, Superior division of the lateral Pterygoid and the medial Pterygoid.

Antagonist: Inferior divisions of the lateral Pterygoid, anterior Digastric, Omohyoid, and Mylohyoid.

Nerve Supply: Trigeminal nerve (Cranial nerve V).

Vascular supply: Anterior and posterior deep temporal artery, as well as the superficial temporal artery.

• Primary: The pain refers throughout the temple, along the eyebrow, behind the eye and upper teeth, and in some cases it may refer to the maxilla and the temporomandibular joint.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Ipsilateral masseter, Medial and Lateral Pterygoid, Upper Trapezius, Sternocleidomastoid.

Click on a small image to view an enlarged image

Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Head pain, toothache, tenderness in the jaw, teeth sensitivity to heat and cold.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Gritting the teeth, persistent chewing of gum or maintaining the mouth in an open state for prolonged periods of time, jaw clinching, prolonged forward head bending.

Differential Diagnosis: Diseased teeth, Broken tooth syndrome, Periapical infection, Eye strain, Tension headaches, Migraine headache, Cervicogenic headaches, (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) C2 radiculopathy or neuropathy, Cerebral vascular accident, Cerebral neoplasm, Cerebral aneurysm, Temporal arteritis (Giant cell arteritis), Temporal tendinitis, Temporal mandibular joint dysfunction, Trigeminal neuralgia (Tic Douloureux), Tetanus, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

Back to Top