TEMPORAL MUSCLE Meaning and
Definition
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The temporal muscle, also known as the temporalis muscle, is a prominent muscle located on either side of the head. It is one of the muscles responsible for various jaw movements, particularly the closing of the jaw during chewing and biting. The term "temporal" refers to its anatomical position, as it covers the temporal bone of the skull.
The temporal muscle originates from the temporal fossa, a shallow depression on the side of the skull, and extends downward to insert onto the mandible (lower jawbone). It is a relatively flat, fan-shaped muscle that is visibly noticeable on the sides of the head, typically appearing as bulges during clenching or chewing.
This muscle receives its main nerve supply from the trigeminal nerve, specifically the third branch called the mandibular branch. As a powerful jaw-closing muscle, it is primarily involved in the elevation and retraction of the mandible, allowing for the grinding and crushing of food. Additionally, the temporal muscle contributes to the stabilization and positioning of the jaw during speech and swallowing.
In terms of pathology, the temporal muscle can be affected by conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or bruxism, which result in jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty in jaw movement. Overall, the temporal muscle plays a vital role in the functioning of the jaw and is a key component of the masticatory system.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TEMPORAL MUSCLE
- remporal muscle
- femporal muscle
- gemporal muscle
- yemporal muscle
- 6emporal muscle
- 5emporal muscle
- twmporal muscle
- tsmporal muscle
- tdmporal muscle
- trmporal muscle
- t4mporal muscle
- t3mporal muscle
- tenporal muscle
- tekporal muscle
- tejporal muscle
- temooral muscle
- temloral muscle
- tem-oral muscle
- tem0oral muscle
Etymology of TEMPORAL MUSCLE
The etymology of the word "temporal muscle" traces back to its Latin roots. The term "temporal" is derived from the Latin word "temporalis", which means "of the temples". The word "temporalis" is the adjective form of "tempora", meaning "temple" or "side of the head". This name was given to the muscle because it is located in the region of the temple.
Similar spelling words for TEMPORAL MUSCLE
- temporal bone,
- temporal arteritis,
- temporal artery,
- temporal vein,
- temporal relation,
- temporal role,
- temporal lobe,
- temporalis muscle,
- temporal property,
- temporary state,
- temporal gyrus,
- temporariness,
- temporal order,
- temporal canthus.
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