masseter
Muscle for chewing
The masseter is a thick muscle at the back of the jaw that closes the mouth during chewing.
It runs from the cheekbone to the lower jaw and is one of the strongest muscles in the human body relative to its size: clenching your teeth engages the masseter.
musculature
Skull muscle for chewing
- muscle fibersContractile cells in tissue
- originStarting point or source
- insertionPlacing something within
- innervationNerve supply to tissue
tendon · fascia · contraction · hypertrophy · atrophy
pathology
Involuntary jaw clenching
- TMJ disorderJaw joint malfunction
- lockjawSustained jaw muscle spasm
- myalgiaClinical term for soreness
- clenchingSqueezing tightly shut
mastication
Crushing food orally
- bite forceJaw clamping pressure
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- crushingOverwhelming in intensity
- bolusChewed food mass
anatomy
Lower facial bone
- maxillaUpper jaw bone
- ramusAnatomical branching structure
- coronoid processTriangular skeletal projection
- facial nerveSeventh cranial pathway
clinical
Medical examination by touch
- electromyographyMuscle electrical activity measurement
- muscle relaxantAgent reducing tissue tension
- physical therapyRehabilitative movement-based medical care
- ultrasound imagingDiagnostic visualization using sound waves
temporalis
Skull muscle for chewing
- muscle fibersContractile cells in tissue
- originStarting point or source
- insertionPlacing something within
innervation · tendon · fascia · contraction · hypertrophy · atrophy
bruxism
Involuntary jaw clenching
- TMJ disorderJaw joint malfunction
- lockjawSustained jaw muscle spasm
- myalgiaClinical term for soreness
chewing
Crushing food orally
- bite forceJaw clamping pressure
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- crushingOverwhelming in intensity
mandible
Lower facial bone
- maxillaUpper jaw bone
- ramusAnatomical branching structure
- coronoid processTriangular skeletal projection
palpation
Medical examination by touch
- electromyographyMuscle electrical activity measurement
- muscle relaxantAgent reducing tissue tension
- physical therapyRehabilitative movement-based medical care
ultrasound imaging · dental examination · clinical evaluation