The Muscles Of Mastication - Attachments - Actions - TeachMeAnatomy

The muscles of mastication are associated with movements of the jaw (temporomandibular joint). There are four muscles:

  • Masseter
  • Temporalis
  • Medial pterygoid
  • Lateral pterygoid

The muscles of mastication develop from the first pharyngeal arch. They are therefore innervated by a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V), the mandibular nerve.

In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the muscles of mastication – their attachments, actions, and innervation.

(NB: It is important to note that all the muscles mentioned here are bilateral structures).

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Tag » What Nerve Innervates The Masseter Muscle