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Temporalis — Anatomy Notes, Diagram & Quiz
The Temporalis is located in the temporal fossa. Elevates and retracts the mandible. The Temporalis elevates the mandible and retracts the jaw.
Key facts
| Location | Temporal fossa |
|---|---|
| Main function | Elevates and retracts the mandible. |
| Layer | superficial muscles |
| Key fact 1 | The Temporalis elevates the mandible and retracts the jaw. |
| Key fact 2 | The Temporalis originates from the temporal fossa and inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible. |
| Key fact 3 | Temporalis muscle pain is a common feature of temporomandibular joint disorders. |
Where is the Temporalis located?
The Temporalis is located in the temporal fossa.
The Temporalis elevates the mandible and retracts the jaw.
What does the Temporalis do?
Elevates and retracts the mandible.
The Temporalis originates from the temporal fossa and inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible.
What to know for exams
- The Temporalis elevates the mandible and retracts the jaw.
- The Temporalis originates from the temporal fossa and inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible.
- Temporalis muscle pain is a common feature of temporomandibular joint disorders.
It belongs to the superficial muscles layer. Learn its location, relations, and the structures it works with.
Clinical relevance
Temporalis muscle pain is a common feature of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Link the temporalis to its blood supply, innervation and relations. That is how exam questions usually test it.
Memory aid: Temporalis
The Temporalis elevates the mandible and retracts the jaw. The Temporalis originates from the temporal fossa and inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible. Temporalis muscle pain is a common feature of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Chain it as location → function → clinical link when you revise.
Temporalis anatomy quiz
Five questions. Open each answer after you commit to a response.
-
Where is the Temporalis located?
Reveal answer
Temporal fossa
-
What is the main function of the Temporalis?
Reveal answer
Elevates and retracts the mandible.
-
Give one key fact about the Temporalis.
Reveal answer
The Temporalis elevates the mandible and retracts the jaw.
-
Give another key fact about the Temporalis.
Reveal answer
The Temporalis originates from the temporal fossa and inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible.
-
What clinical link is associated with the Temporalis?
Reveal answer
Temporalis muscle pain is a common feature of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Common questions
Where is the Temporalis located?
The Temporalis is located in the temporal fossa. The Temporalis elevates the mandible and retracts the jaw.
What does the Temporalis do?
Elevates and retracts the mandible. The Temporalis originates from the temporal fossa and inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible.
What is a key fact about the Temporalis?
Temporalis muscle pain is a common feature of temporomandibular joint disorders.
What layer does the Temporalis belong to?
It belongs to the superficial muscles layer of the body.
What should I remember for exams?
The Temporalis elevates the mandible and retracts the jaw. The Temporalis originates from the temporal fossa and inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible. Temporalis muscle pain is a common feature of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Sources
- Standring, S. (ed.). Gray’s Anatomy, 42nd edition. Elsevier, 2020.
- TeachMeAnatomy — anatomy library
- Kenhub — anatomy library
- StatPearls / NCBI Bookshelf — Temporalis search
3D atlas and image credits
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