Where it is
On the cheek, between the zygomatic arch and the mandible.
- Layer
- Muscles
- System
- Muscles
- Region
- Head
What it is and what it does
It arises from the lower edge of the zygomatic arch and inserts on the lateral face of the mandible (the masseteric fossa). It raises the mandible, that is, closes the mouth; together with the temporalis it gives the bite its force. The only masticatory muscle that opens the mouth is the digastricus, on the underside of the jaw.
Worth remembering
Together with the temporalis it gives the bite its force; the mouth is opened by another muscle, the digastricus, on the underside of the jaw.
Names
- Latin term: musculus masseter.
- In Romanian: Maseterul (Romanian page).
Questions from the atlas
"Find it on the drawing" questions whose answer is this structure; in the atlas you will find them in the question bank and in the lessons.