The temporalis fills the temporal fossa and inserts on the coronoid process as a broad fan-shaped muscle. Its posterior fibres retract the mandible — the only muscle capable of pure retraction. In temporomandibular joint dysfunction, temporalis trigger points refer pain to the upper teeth and temporal headache. The temporalis flap is a reliable pedicled flap for orbital, skull base, and intraoral reconstruction.
| Origin | Temporal fossa (entire floor of the temporal fossa and deep surface of the temporal fascia) |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Coronoid process and anterior border of the mandibular ramus |
| Nerve Supply | Deep temporal branches of the mandibular nerve (V3) |
| Blood Supply | Deep temporal arteries (from the maxillary artery) and the middle temporal artery (from the superficial temporal) |
| Actions | Mandibular elevation (jaw closing) — vertical fibres; Mandibular retraction — posterior fibres; The temporal muscle is the most powerful jaw closer and the primary retruder of the mandible |
|---|
Temporalis myofascial pain produces temporal headache and upper tooth pain. Clenching and bruxism overload the temporalis — occlusal splint therapy reduces nocturnal temporalis activity. Temporal tendinitis (inflammation at the coronoid insertion) produces jaw pain reproduced by biting and coronoid palpation through the mandibular notch.
The temporalis is palpable over the entire temporal fossa and becomes firm during jaw clenching — visible wasting indicates temporal muscle atrophy from chronic TMJ dysfunction or trigeminal motor neuropathy.
Temporal muscle trigger points from bruxism producing temporal headache and upper tooth pain managed with splint therapy and dry needling.
