Definition

1. Noun:
   • A muscle of mastication: The musculus temporalis is a fan-shaped muscle located on each side of the head, covering the temporal bone. Its primary function is to elevate the mandible (lower jawbone), enabling the closing of the jaws and applying force during biting and chewing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The dentist explained that pain in the temple area could be related to the musculus temporalis.
  • During chewing, the musculus temporalis contracts to raise the lower jaw.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical/Anatomical Context: The term is used precisely in medical, dental, and anatomical fields to describe this specific muscle's structure, function, or pathology.
  • The surgeon carefully dissected the musculus temporalis to access the underlying bone.
  • Bruxism, or teeth grinding, often leads to hypertrophy and tenderness of the musculus temporalis.

Variants and Related Words

• Temporal muscle: This is the common English equivalent term for .
  • The temporal muscle is one of the primary muscles used for mastication.
• Temporalis muscle: A variant phrasing.
  • The temporalis muscle originates from the temporal fossa.

Synonyms

• Temporal muscle: The direct synonym in non-Latin anatomical terminology.
• Temporalis: A commonly used shortened form in professional contexts.

Related Phrases

• Temporalis fascia: The fibrous sheet covering the muscle.
  • The incision was made through the temporalis fascia.
• Temporal fossa: The shallow depression on the side of the skull where the muscle originates.
  • The musculus temporalis fills the temporal fossa.

Noun

1. muscle extending from the temporal fossa to the coronoid process of the mandible; acts to raise the mandible and close the jaws