Temporalis
Mastication · Head & Neck
Located in the Mastication of the Head & Neck, the Temporalis is a key muscle for anatomy study. Its origin is Temporal fossa and temporal fascia, and it inserts onto Coronoid process and anterior border of ramus of mandible. It is responsible for several movements: Elevates mandible (closes jaw); posterior fibers retract mandible. Innervation is provided by the Mandibular division of trigeminal nerve (CN V3).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Temporal fossa and temporal fascia
Insertion
Coronoid process and anterior border of ramus of mandible
Action
Elevates mandible (closes jaw); posterior fibers retract mandible
Nerve
Mandibular division of trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
Attachments explained
The Temporalis is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Temporal fossa and temporal fascia
Insertion
Coronoid process and anterior border of ramus of mandible
Action & function
When the Temporalis contracts, it produces the following movements: Elevates mandible (closes jaw); posterior fibers retract mandible.
As part of the Mastication group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Temporalis receives its nerve supply from the Mandibular division of trigeminal nerve (CN V3).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Mandibular division of trigeminal nerve can weaken or paralyse the Temporalis, impairing the movements it normally produces (elevates mandible (closes jaw)). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Temporalis (the OIANS method)
OIANS stands for Origin, Insertion, Action and Nerve, the four facts that uniquely define every skeletal muscle. To learn the Temporalis, work through them in order: picture its origin, trace the muscle to its insertion, reason out the action that shortening between those two points must create, then add the nerve that drives it.
Most students remember the Temporalis fastest by linking its action back to its attachments rather than memorising each fact in isolation. Once the origin and insertion make sense, the action usually follows logically.
Temporalis quick facts
- Region
- Head & Neck
- Group
- Mastication
- Origin
- Temporal fossa and temporal fascia
- Insertion
- Coronoid process and anterior border of ramus of mandible
- Action
- Elevates mandible (closes jaw); posterior fibers retract mandible
- Nerve
- Mandibular division of trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
- Spinal roots
- —
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Temporalis located?
The Temporalis is a muscle of the Mastication group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Temporalis?
Temporal fossa and temporal fascia
What is the insertion of the Temporalis?
Coronoid process and anterior border of ramus of mandible
What movements does the Temporalis produce?
Elevates mandible (closes jaw); posterior fibers retract mandible
What nerve supplies the Temporalis?
Mandibular division of trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
Is the Temporalis free to study in OIANS?
The Temporalis is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Head & Neck is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
Study the Temporalis
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