The "temporalis muscle" is a muscle located in the temporal region of the skull. It is responsible for moving the jaw during chewing and speaking. The spelling of this word may seem tricky, but it is actually quite logical when using IPA phonetic transcription. "Temporalis" is spelled with the "t" sounding like /t/ and the "s" sounding like /s/, while the "i" in the middle sounds like /ɪ/. The word "muscle" is spelled with the "s" sounding like /s/ and the "c" sounding like /k/, followed by the letter "l" sounding like /l/.
The temporalis muscle is a large, paired muscle located on the side of the head, specifically in the temporal region. It is one of the main muscles responsible for the movement and function of the jaw, allowing for actions such as chewing and biting.
The temporalis muscle originates from the temporal fossa, a shallow depression on the side of the skull, just above the ear and behind the eye socket. It then extends downwards and backward, attaching to the coronoid process of the mandible, which is the bony prominence on the upper front part of the jawbone.
This muscle plays a crucial role in the process of mastication, or chewing food. Contraction of the temporalis muscle brings the upper and lower jaw together, enabling the grinding and crushing of food between the teeth. It also helps provide stability to the jaw joint, allowing for smooth and coordinated movements during jaw opening and closing.
Due to its size and location, the temporalis muscle contributes to the overall shape and appearance of the face. When enlarged, it can create a rounder and more pronounced appearance in the temporal region. Additionally, this muscle has been implicated in tension headaches and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), as excessive tension or dysfunction in the temporalis muscle can lead to pain and discomfort in the jaw and surrounding areas.
The word "temporalis" is derived from the Latin word "tempus", which means "at the temple" or "the side of the forehead" in reference to the location of the muscle. The term "temporalis" was coined because the muscle is located in the temporal region of the skull.