Temporalis Muscle Explained
The temporalis muscle is one of the primary muscles involved in chewing (mastication). It fans out across the side of the head, helping to close the jaw and maintain proper alignment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). According to muscle pain authorities like Travell and Simons, the temporalis muscle often plays a major role in headaches, facial pain, and TMJ dysfunction. In this post, we’ll explore where the temporalis muscle is located, how it functions, and common issues that can arise when this muscle is stressed or injured.
Key Points
The temporalis muscle is crucial for jaw elevation (closing your mouth).
Overuse or strain in this muscle can lead to headaches and toothache-like pain.
Poor posture (e.g., forward head position) and habits like teeth clenching can aggravate the temporalis.
The temporalis muscle origin is in the temporal fossa, while its insertion is on the coronoid process of the mandible.
Understanding temporalis biomechanics helps clinicians and patients address TMJ dysfunction more effectively.
Temporalis Muscle
Muscle Description and Location
The temporalis muscle is a broad, fan-shaped muscle on each side of the skull. It rests primarily in the temporal fossa—the shallow depression on the lateral side of the head. It extends downward beneath the zygomatic arch (the cheekbone area) to attach to the coronoid process of the mandible. Because of its relatively large surface area, different sections of the muscle can contribute to various jaw movements.
Temporalis Function
Primary Action: Elevates (closes) the jaw.
Lateral Deviation: Unilateral contraction can assist in moving the jaw toward the same side.
Retrusion (Pulling the Jaw Back): The posterior fibers play an important role in drawing the mandible backward.
These actions are essential not just for chewing, but also for stabilizing the mandible in tasks like speaking and swallowing.
Origin and Insertion
Temporalis Muscle Origin
The temporalis muscle origin is mainly the temporal fossa of the skull, as well as the deep surface of the temporal fascia. This broad region above the zygomatic arch provides a sturdy base for the muscle’s wide, fan-like distribution.
Temporalis Muscle Insertion
The temporalis muscle insertion is on the coronoid process of the mandible and along the anterior border of the mandibular ramus. These tendinous attachments ensure strong leverage for closing the jaw and exerting force during chewing.
Innervation
The temporalis muscle receives its nerve supply from the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), specifically through the deep temporal branches. This allows for quick, coordinated responses during mastication.
Biomechanics of the Temporalis Muscle
The temporalis muscle works in concert with other jaw muscles (masseter, medial pterygoid, lateral pterygoid) to provide smooth and powerful biting. Its positioning allows significant force generation for closing the jaw, while its posterior fibers help retract the mandible. The muscle’s function can be influenced by head posture: a forward head position often increases tension, as the jaw may have to clench slightly to maintain occlusion.
Temporalis Muscle Synergists
Masseter – another major jaw-closer working alongside the temporalis.
Medial Pterygoid – assists with elevation and side-to-side movements.
Superior Division of the Lateral Pterygoid – can stabilize and position the jaw during closure.
Temporalis Muscle Antagonists
Inferior Division of the Lateral Pterygoid – primarily protrudes the jaw, opposing the posterior fibers of the temporalis.
Digastric (anterior belly), Mylohyoid, Omohyoid – these suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles open or depress the jaw, working against the temporalis’ elevation function.
Issues Involving the Temporalis Muscle
When the temporalis is overworked or carries trigger points, individuals may experience:
Headaches: Pain can be felt around the temples and can mimic tension headaches.
Toothache Sensations: Trigger points may refer pain to the upper teeth, leading to confusion with true dental issues.
Sore temporalis muscle: Can be causes by overuse, direct trauma, or trigger points in the muscle.
TMJ Dysfunction: Clenching or grinding (bruxism) exacerbates tension in the temporalis.
Forward Head Posture Complications: Chronic poor posture adds strain, perpetuating muscle tension and pain.
These problems can compound if not properly addressed—often leading to persistent discomfort and reduced jaw mobility.
Conclusion
The temporalis muscle is integral to chewing, jaw stability, and even head and neck posture. When aggravated, it can produce a variety of pain symptoms, from headaches to tooth pain. Understanding its anatomy and role in jaw function is the first step in preventing or addressing issues like TMJ dysfunction. If you find yourself battling recurrent temple pain, headaches, or unexplained toothache sensations, a thorough evaluation of the temporalis muscle—and possibly acupuncture or dry needling—may be the key to relief.
Considering professional care? Morningside Acupuncture offers targeted therapies to address muscle-related discomfort. Feel free to reach out for a consultation and find the personalized support you deserve.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the temporalis muscle used for?
The temporalis muscle primarily closes the jaw (elevates the mandible) and helps with side-to-side motion and retraction of the jaw. It’s an essential muscle for chewing and stabilizing the TMJ.
Where is the temporalis muscle origin?
The temporalis muscle originates in the temporal fossa of the skull and the deep surface of the temporal fascia. This broad area above the cheekbone (zygomatic arch) anchors the muscle fibers.
Where is the temporalis muscle insertion?
It inserts into the coronoid process and along the anterior margin of the mandibular ramus. This positioning allows for significant force generation to close the jaw.
What happens if the temporalis muscle is tight or strained?
A tight or strained temporalis muscle can lead to headaches, toothache-like pain, and TMJ issues. You may notice pain around the temples, behind the eyes, or in the upper teeth.
Can forward head posture affect the temporalis muscle?
Yes. Forward head posture can contribute to excessive strain in the temporalis muscle, perpetuating tension and discomfort in the jaw and temples.
Sources:
Travell, J. G., Simons, D. G. (1993). Myofascial pain and dysfunction: The trigger point manual. London: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Biel, A., & Dorn, R. (2010). Trail guide to the body: A hands-on guide to locating muscles, bones and more. Boulder, CO: Books of Dicovery.
Janda, Vladimír. “Muscle Function Testing.” (1983).
Dublin AB, Al-Dhahir MA. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Temporal Region. [Updated 2023 Jun 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482497/
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