Muscle
Masseter
Strongest muscle of mastication
High-yield
Most powerful muscle of mastication for biting; all four muscles of mastication are supplied by CN V3.
Overview
A thick powerful quadrangular muscle over the ramus of the mandible that is the strongest elevator of the jaw for biting.
Reference facts
- Origin
Zygomatic arch and maxillary process of the zygomatic bone
- Insertion
Lateral surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible
- Action
Elevates the mandible (closes the jaw) for biting; assists protrusion
- Innervation
Masseteric nerve from the mandibular division of the trigeminal (CN V3)
- Blood supply
Masseteric artery (from the maxillary artery)