Masseter

Region: Head & Neck Muscles · All head & neck muscles

Masseter at a glance

OriginZygomatic arch
InsertionLateral surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible
ActionsElevates the jaw (closes the mouth); Helps protrude the jaw
Nerve supplyTrigeminal nerve (CN V3), masseteric branch

◆ Good to know

One of the strongest muscles by force; chronic clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism) can hypertrophy it and square the jawline.

Please note: This page is an anatomy education summary for students and curious readers, not medical advice. Attachment points are given in their classic short form; individual anatomy varies, and detailed dissection-level descriptions belong in an anatomy atlas.