GLOSSARY

The masseter is the strongest muscle of mastication and one of the strongest muscles in the body relative to its size; it lies at the side of the cheek and angle of the jaw and is easily palpated when clenching the teeth.

Attachments and Innervation

• Origin: the zygomatic arch.
• Insertion: the angle and lateral surface of the ramus of the mandible.
• Nerve: the masseteric nerve from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3).

Actions

• Elevation of the mandible: closing the mouth and clenching the teeth.
• Assisting protrusion of the jaw.

Clinical Application