Name

Masseter

Pronunciation

(ma-se-ter)

Origin/Proximal Attachment

Zygomatic surface of maxilla and the zygomatic arch.

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Lateral surface of ramus of mandible and the coronoid process of mandible.

Action/Relevance

Closes the jaw by elevating the mandible. This muscle functions to chew food

Innervation

Masseteric branch of mandibular nerve.

Notes

Masseter is one of the most powerful muscles for its size in the body.