Temporalis

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

Temporalis muscle anatomy illustration — origin, insertion, action and nerve supply
Temporalis muscle, highlighted in red. Temporalis muscle anatomy at MedicalVideos.com

Temporalis at a glance

OriginTemporal fossa of the skull
InsertionCoronoid process and anterior ramus of the mandible
ActionsElevates the jaw; Retracts the jaw (posterior fibres)
Nerve supplyTrigeminal nerve (CN V3), deep temporal branches

◆ Good to know

Its tendon passes deep to the zygomatic arch to reach the coronoid process; the muscle can be felt bulging when you clench your teeth.

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.